Beardlip penstemon
Penstemon barbatus
Beardlip penstemon (Penstemon barbatus) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 24 to 48 in tall and 12 to 24 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Native penstemon with vivid red tubular flowers, hummingbird magnet. Excellent drainage required.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water24 to 48 in tall and 12 to 24 in wideXeric / water-wiseLow ignitability: OK 0-30 ft from the house, CSU score 8/10Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Gordon C. Snelling, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: no rights reserved
- Photo 3: no rights reserved
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3 to 8
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5 to 8.5
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control, Hellstrips / parking strips
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 24 to 48 in tall and 12 to 24 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~17 to 24 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early summer, mid summer
- Bloom color
- red, pink
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- foothills, montane
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Low ignitability: OK 0-30 ft from the house, CSU score 8/10
Planting & establishment
Water sparingly even during the first summer, these xeric species are prone to crown rot from overwatering, especially in clay. Once established, no supplemental water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Beardlip penstemon good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Beardlip penstemon is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Beardlip penstemon get?
- It matures to about 24 to 48 in tall and 12 to 24 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Beardlip penstemon?
- Space Beardlip penstemon about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Beardlip penstemon hardy on the Front Range?
- Beardlip penstemon is hardy in USDA 3 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Beardlip penstemon need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Beardlip penstemon native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Beardlip penstemon deer-resistant?
- Beardlip penstemon is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Beardlip penstemon a good firewise plant near the house?
- Beardlip penstemon is rated 8 of 10 in CSU Extension Fact Sheet 6.305 (2025), where higher means less ignitable, so it can go within 0 to 5 feet of the house as well as out to 30 feet when kept watered and tidy. This is general guidance based on CSU Extension Fact Sheet 6.305 (2025), not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does Beardlip penstemon bloom?
- Beardlip penstemon blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
