Red Riding Hood™ Beardtongue (Penstemon)

‘Red Riding Hood’ is a compact, upright cultivar of Penstemon schmidel with freely flowering bright red blooms on strong stems. Molter identifies the selection as its breeding, with a height of 45 cm and a May-to-September flowering season. ([Molter plant profile](https://www.molterbv.nl/en/producten/penstemon/red-riding-hood); [US plant patent](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP18950P2/en)) ## Appearance The plant patent describes an upright, relatively compact habit, freely produced bright red flowers on strong stems, and good garden performance. Molter also lists red flowers and flowering from May through September. ([USPP18950](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP18950P2/en); [Molter plant profile](https://www.molterbv.nl/en/producten/penstemon/red-riding-hood)) ## Growing conditions Choose a sunny position with well-drained soil. For general penstemon cultivation, the RHS recommends watering during very dry spells; adjust care to local climate and drainage. ([RHS growing guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/penstemons/growing-guide)) ## Maintenance Keep excess water moving away from the crown and water during prolonged dry weather. The RHS recommends cutting penstemon stems down to low-growing shoots in mid-to-late March; adjust timing for local conditions. ([RHS growing guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/penstemons/growing-guide))