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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