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 nativelow water18–36 in tall and 12–18 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Penstemon eatonii
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 18–36 in tall and 12–18 in wide
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- 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
- Bloom color
- red
- Bloom time
- mid spring, late spring
- Pollinator value
- high
- Good for
- slope, south wall
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 included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a perennial suited to Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Firecracker Penstemon get?
- It matures to about 18–36 in tall and 12–18 in wide.
- 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.
