Penstemon centranthifolius (Scarlet Bugler)

A favorite with hummingbirds, Penstemon centranthifolius (Scarlet Bugler) is a showy perennial with ascending stems laden with brilliant red to orange-red, nearly radially symmetrical flowers in mid-spring to mid-summer. The tubular flowers attract bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and especially hummingbirds. They rise above a basal rosette of broadly spoon-shaped, waxy gray leaves that are attractive in their own right. Widely distributed throughout dry coastal and inland foothill zones of California from the Bay Area into Mexico, Scarlet Bugler adds lovely vertical lines in the landscape. It is a fine choice for rock gardens, Mediterranean gardens, and mixed with other water-wise perennials.

• Grows up to 24-48 in. tall (60-120 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
• Performs best in full sun to part shade in dry, well-drained soils. It does not grow well in areas with poor drainage. Drought tolerant once established. Penstemons need very little water and barely any fertilizer.
• Provides a bold impact in beds and borders, rock gardens, Mediterranean gardens, banks, and slopes or in containers. Great for naturalistic planting schemes.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant.
• Remove dead flower stalks after flowering or let them develop seeds for wildlife food and for new plants to develop in the garden.
• Propagate using half-woody cuttings or seeds.
• Native to California.