Firecracker Beardtongue (Penstemon)

Firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii) is a clumping western native with arching stems of bright scarlet, tubular flowers. It grows in communities from subalpine sites to desert shrublands, and its red blooms provide nectar for hummingbirds. ## Garden Use Use it in sunny borders, accents and rock gardens, or cut the flower stems for arrangements. Plants commonly flower from May into midsummer and may rebloom when spent flowers are removed. [Utah State University Extension](https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/firecracker-penstemon-in-the-landscape) describes its western range, scarlet flowers, clumping form and landscape uses. ## Growing Conditions Provide excellent drainage and low-fertility soil; full sun to part shade is suitable. The species has high drought tolerance once established, but it is susceptible to root rot when overwatered. USU reports cold tolerance in zones 3–7; that rating is not expressed as a USDA hardiness range, so compare local winter conditions rather than treating it as a USDA conversion. ## Maintenance Water sparingly after establishment and avoid excess fertilizer. Trim spent stalks to limit self-seeding and encourage possible rebloom. Plants may lodge in rich or wet conditions and often flower more freely from their second year.