Beardtongue (Penstemon) 'Parade of Parrots'

Terra Nova’s ‘Parade of Parrots’ is an upright, evergreen beardtongue with saturated claret-colored flowers and blushed seed heads. Its official profile gives a 14-inch plant height and 18-inch spread, with flower stems reaching 36 inches. The perennial is listed for USDA zones 7–9 and flowers from June through October. [Terra Nova plant profile](https://www.terranovanurseries.com/product/penstemon-parade-of-parrots/) ## Flowers and placement The flower color is described as purple and red, with strong stems carrying a large floral display. Use it in sunny mixed beds, cottage gardens or a bank, or grow it for cut flowers. Terra Nova also lists the plant as deer resistant and attractive to hummingbirds and pollinators. ## Growing conditions The profile specifies full sun, average garden water and average, well-drained soil. Its growth habit is upright and its growth rate is listed as fast. Give the flower stems room to rise above neighboring plants and keep the crown from sitting in wet soil. ## Maintenance Provide drainage and avoid excessive irrigation or fertilizer; Terra Nova warns that either can cause plant loss. A gravel mulch around the crown is recommended to reduce crown-rot risk. Adjust watering to the site and season rather than keeping the soil continuously wet.