Penstemon eatonii.
Eaton's Penstemon, also known as Firecracker Beardtongue, is an evergreen plant native to the western regions of the United States.
The first botanical description of Eaton's Penstemon was recorded in the 1700s by American botanist John Mitchell, though the plant had, according to legend, been widely used by Native Americans as a versatile medicinal remedy.
Stunning scarlet-red flowers emerge on tall bloom spikes in late spring to early summer and are a favorite of butterflies and hummingbirds.
Heat and drought tolerant once established, and easily adaptable to growing in a number of regions. Plant develops slowly and typically begins to bloom in its second year.
Eaton's Penstemon
Growth Chart
Hardiness Zones: 4 to 11 Light Requirement: Full to partial sun Soil Type: Rocky, sandy, loamy Sow Depth: Surface Plant Spacing: 24 to 36 inches Germination Note: Cold stratification required Stratification Time: 60 days Bloom Time: May to August Growing Tips
Direct sow in late fall, or start indoors for spring planting. If starting indoors, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 days before planting (cold stratification).
A Note on Cold Stratification
These seeds require cold, moist stratification. To naturally stratify the seeds, plant outdoors late fall on a weed-free site and allow seeds to overwinter.
To artificially stratify the seeds, place the seeds and a moist medium (such as a damp paper towel, coffee filter, sand, or vermiculite) in a labeled, sealed plastic bag and store in a refrigerator (33-40°F) for the amount of time noted on the growth chart before sowing.