Penstemon barbatus
TAXONOMY
FamilyPlantaginaceae
GenusPenstemon
Zone4
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Penstemon barbatus, commonly known as Beardlip Penstemon or Scarlet Bugler, is a perennial plant native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It belongs to the family Plantaginaceae and the genus Penstemon. This plant is known for its vibrant red tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. It thrives in temperate climates and has a dormancy period during the winter months.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Chelone Barbata
Chelone Formosa
Elmigera Barbata
Beardlip penstemon
Penstemon barbatus var. barbatus
Penstemon coccineus
Penstemon flaviflorus
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity50%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Penstemon barbatus requires bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth. It prefers moderate temperatures and can tolerate a range of humidity levels. Water the plant when the soil is almost completely dry, but avoid waterlogging. This plant is relatively easy to care for but may require some attention to ensure it thrives.Soil
Penstemon barbatus prefers well-draining loamy soil. It can tolerate poor soil conditions but thrives best in moderately nutrient-rich soil. Ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10. Fertilize the plant during the growing season, typically in spring and early summer, to promote healthy growth and flowering.Repotting
Repot Penstemon barbatus every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and ensure it has good drainage. Repotting is best done in early spring before the growing season begins.Propagation
Penstemon barbatus can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. For seed propagation, sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix in early spring. For cuttings, take a healthy stem cutting in late spring or early summer and root it in a moist, well-draining medium.Pruning
Prune Penstemon barbatus after the flowering season to remove spent flowers and encourage new growth. Cut back any dead or damaged stems to maintain the plant's shape and health.Toxicity
Penstemon barbatus is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, it is always advisable to keep plants out of reach of pets and children to prevent any accidental ingestion.Additional
Penstemon barbatus is a great addition to rock gardens, borders, and wildflower gardens. It is drought-tolerant once established and attracts pollinators, making it an excellent choice for eco-friendly gardening.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
