Ruby Candle™ Beardtongue (Penstemon)

Ruby Candle is a compact beardtongue with green foliage and upright spikes of intense red trumpet-shaped flowers. The flowers open in early summer and continue into fall, bringing a long display to sunny borders and containers. The plant profile lists USDA zones 4–9 and notes butterfly and hummingbird visits. [Perennials.com](https://www.perennials.com/plants/penstemon-ruby-candle.html) ## Plant profile This hybrid selection forms a low clump. The source describes full sun, normal or sandy soil, and dry soil moisture; a 12–23 inch height range and a 12-inch spread are listed. Those published size figures are ranges or reference measurements, so the height is left as a range rather than reduced to a single number. ## Garden use Use Ruby Candle in a sunny perennial bed, at the front of a border, or where its upright flower stems can be cut for arrangements. The profile describes it as low maintenance and especially suited to hot, dry sites. ## Maintenance Water new plants while they establish, then water during prolonged dry spells. Remove spent flower stems to keep the clump tidy.