bearded penstemon

Also known as: bitterherb; bitterweed; broom-shell flower; cod head; firecracker plant; fish mouth

A tall, upright perennial to 1.8m with semi-evergreen basal rosettesand deciduous stems with leaves up to 20cm long. From early summer to early autumn bears loose spires of hanging, tubular red flowers 4cm long tinged pink to carmine.

Scientific classification

Species: bearded penstemon (Penstemon barbatus)
Genus: Penstemon
Family: Plantaginaceae

Information to be completed
Toxicity: Herbaceous Perennial
Plant type: 1.5-2.5 metres
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: Semi evergreen
Foliage: Clump forming
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

bearded penstemon pictures

Distribution of bearded penstemon

Distribution map

Mexico and Southern USA

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Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

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Quick identification of bearded penstemon

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bearded penstemon care guide

Moderate watering, avoid winter wet around the crown
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate watering, avoid winter wet around the crown

Fertilizing

Light balanced feed in spring and early bloom

Pruning

Deadhead after flowering to maintain vigour, then cut back to base in winter

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, semi-hardwood cuttings in midsummer, or division in spring

Growing

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade. In cold areas, protect plant overwinter with a dry mulch. See penstemon cultivation

More growing and care information →