Firecracker Penstemon
Penstemon eatonii
Firecracker Penstemon (Penstemon eatonii) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 18–36 in tall and 12–18 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Fiery scarlet tubular flowers; hummingbird magnet; very drought tolerant evergreen rosette.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water18–36 in tall and 12–18 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Penstemon eatonii
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 18–36 in tall and 12–18 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~13–18 in apart
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Bloom color
- red
- Bloom time
- mid spring, late spring
- Pollinator value
- high
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control, Hot south- or west-facing walls
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Native ecoregion
- foothills
Planting & establishment
Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Firecracker Penstemon good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Firecracker Penstemon is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Firecracker Penstemon get?
- It matures to about 18–36 in tall and 12–18 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Firecracker Penstemon?
- Space Firecracker Penstemon about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Firecracker Penstemon hardy on the Front Range?
- Firecracker Penstemon is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Firecracker Penstemon need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Firecracker Penstemon native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Firecracker Penstemon deer-resistant?
- Firecracker Penstemon is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Firecracker Penstemon a good firewise plant near the house?
- Firecracker Penstemon is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, 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 Firecracker Penstemon bloom?
- Firecracker 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.
