Botanical Name: Penstemon centranthifolius
Common Name: Scarlet bugler Type of Plant: Dicot: perennial Habit of Growth: Overall Shape a subshrub with several erect slender stems arising from a common basal stem to form a low clumping shape; stems are smooth and bluish-green Height 2-3ft Spread equal Growth Rate slow- moderate Environment: Exposure full sun Does poorly in shaded locations; needs heat for best growth Soil Prefers sandy soils; tolerates clay if not over-watered Hardiness Zones 11-13, 18-23) Hardy to frost; thrives in summer heat Morphology: Leaves pinnate, opposite, ovate-spatulate with base clasping the stems; 1-1/3" long with a distinct bluish-green color; margins are entire Flowers bright red, tubular, borne on slender racemes that arise from the ends of upright stems, April - June Fruit a tiny capsule Propagation: Seed Usage: A showy low-filler for usage in desert or dry Mediterranean-theme gardens; it is valued for its drought-hardiness and bright red flowers (good hummingbird attractor) Landscape Care: Watering an occasional deep soak during the first year; water sparingly after the plant is established Fertilizing none required after established Pruning cut back old stems during dormant season (Fall) Pests/Diseases subject to root rot in wet poorly-drained soils Special Conditions/Other tends to die back close to ground during dormancy in driest areas Origin: Upper elevation locations of Southern California deserts and chaparral Family: Scrophulariaceae Notes: |
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