Pass by any landscape that has firecracker penstemon
(Penstemon eatonii) and you can't help but be drawn in by its vibrant orange-red blooms. Native to arid regions of the American Southwest, this beautiful, low-maintenance perennial brings a welcome splash of color to brighten a winter landscape, continuing into spring.
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Botanical name: Penstemon eatoniiCommon name: Firecracker penstemon
Origin: Native to arid regions of the American Southwest
USDA zones: 5 to 9 (find your zone)
Water requirement: Low
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 1 to 2 feet wide and 2 feet tall when in flower
Benefits and tolerances: Drought tolerant but does best with supplemental watering; attracts hummingbirds
Seasonal interest: Orange-red flowers appear in winter and continue through late spring; in cooler climates it will bloom during the summer.
When to plant: Plant seeds or container plants in fall.
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Distinguishing traits. Plant firecracker penstemon and you'll have stunning flowers, winter color and versatility with little maintenance.
Who wouldn't want to add a perennial that provides much-needed color to a winter landscape? Especially when there is not much else in bloom. Another bonus is that the vibrant orange-red flowers will last through spring. In cooler climates flowers appear during the warm months of summer.
Don't let this colorful perennial's delicate appearance fool you; it isn't fussy. It needs no fertilizer and requires pruning only once a year to remove spent flowering spikes.
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How to use it. Plant it alongside
angelita daisy (Tetraneuris acaulis),
brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) or
damiantia (Chrysactinia mexicana),
whose yellow color will contrast nicely with the bright orange-red flowers. The delicate white flowers of
Blackfoot daisy (Melampodium leucanthum) also make a great pairing.
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Firecracker penstemon can be used in many different ways in the landscape. Plant it along a desert wash, around trees, by a swimming pool or along pathways. It also look greats planted singly by a large boulder. The seeds of this versatile perennial can also be used in the mix for a wildflower garden.
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Planting notes. Penstemon can be easily grown from seed or purchased from the nursery in a container. Be sure to plant it in well-drained soil. Water established plants once a week in the summer and every other week during cooler months.