Penstemon Barbatus
Penstemon barbatus
Penstemon barbatus is a vivid, long-blooming perennial native to the Rocky Mountains and Mexican highlands, producing slender, scarlet-red to coral tubular flowers on tall, airy stems from early summer well into autumn. It symbolizes boldness, passionate vitality, and the fiery spirit of the American West, and is an irresistible draw for hummingbirds.
Plantaginaceae (Plantain family)
Early summer through autumn (June to October); one of the longest-blooming penstemons when regularly deadheaded
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: kniphofias and dianthuss also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Penstemon barbatus is the quintessential wildflower of the American Rocky Mountain West, growing from canyon walls to alpine meadows with an unfussy tenacity that embodies the spirit of western landscapes. The genus name Penstemon comes from the Latin paene (nearly) and Greek stemon (stamen), a reference to the fifth, sterile stamen that all penstemons bear. The species name barbatus means bearded, specifically referencing the hairy lower lip of the flower, which guides visiting pollinators. The vivid scarlet flowers of P. barbatus are specifically shaped for hummingbird pollination, a relationship so refined by evolution that hummingbirds are its primary pollinators in the wild. This close bond with hummingbirds has made the plant a beloved symbol of the interaction between plant and animal life in western North American ecosystems. In the modern xeriscape and drought-tolerant gardening movements, scarlet bugler represents the possibility of brilliant color and ecological richness in dry, challenging conditions.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun; requires at least 6 hours of direct sun daily; partial shade significantly reduces flowering
Water
Low; highly drought tolerant once established; one of the most drought-resistant penstemons; excellent drainage is critical, especially in winter
Soil
Well-drained to dry, Poor to average fertility, Sandy, rocky or gravelly, Neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 6.5-8.0)
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in full sun with sharply drained soil; avoid clay or waterlogged sites which cause fatal crown rot, especially in winter
Do not fertilize heavily; rich or wet soil causes lush growth, susceptibility to disease, and reduced flowering
Deadhead regularly throughout the long blooming season to keep flowers coming and prevent self-seeding
Cut back to basal growth in late autumn in cold climates; apply a dry mulch of grit or gravel around the crown for winter protection in wet climates
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer to perpetuate favored forms, as cultivars may not come true from seed
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Dry, sunny perennial borders and prairie-style plantings
- Xeriscape and water-wise garden designs
- Rock gardens and raised beds with sharp drainage
- Hummingbird and pollinator garden plantings
- Cutting gardens for long-lasting arrangements
Traditional Uses
- Some traditional use among Southwestern indigenous peoples, including the Hopi and Navajo, of related Penstemon species for skin conditions, pain relief, and as emetics; P. barbatus itself is not a primary medicinal species
- No significant established modern medicinal uses; the plant is grown primarily for ornament and ecological value
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Penstemon Barbatus
Does Penstemon barbatus attract hummingbirds?
Yes, Penstemon barbatus is one of the finest hummingbird plants available to gardeners. Its long, tubular, scarlet flowers evolved specifically for hummingbird pollination in the wild, and hummingbirds are reliably attracted to it throughout its long blooming season from early summer to autumn. It is a staple recommendation for hummingbird gardens in North America.
Is Penstemon barbatus drought tolerant?
Yes, Penstemon barbatus is highly drought tolerant once established, making it an ideal choice for xeriscape, water-wise, and dry garden plantings. It is native to rocky slopes and canyon walls in the semi-arid Rocky Mountain region and Mexican highlands and thrives in conditions that challenge less adapted perennials. Good drainage is more critical to its success than regular watering.
What is the difference between Penstemon barbatus and Penstemon digitalis?
Both are excellent garden penstemons, but they are quite different in character. Penstemon barbatus is native to the dry, rocky American Southwest and Mexico, bearing slender scarlet to coral tubular flowers optimized for hummingbird pollination. Penstemon digitalis is native to the moister eastern and central United States, producing larger, more open white tubular flowers visited by bees and hummingbirds. Barbatus is far more drought tolerant; digitalis handles more moisture and partial shade.
How long does Penstemon barbatus bloom?
Penstemon barbatus is one of the longest-blooming penstemons, flowering from early summer through to autumn frost when regularly deadheaded, often 4-5 months of continuous bloom. Deadheading spent flower spikes promptly encourages the plant to continue producing new buds. Without deadheading the season is shorter as energy goes into seed production.
Is Penstemon barbatus evergreen?
Penstemon barbatus is semi-evergreen in mild winters, retaining a rosette of low, strap-shaped basal leaves through the cold season. In colder climates the top growth may die back but the crown and roots survive and regrow reliably in spring. It is hardy to approximately USDA Zone 3-4 in well-drained soil.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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