Penstemon 'Firebird'
Common name(s): beardtongue
Description: perennial; also known as 'Shoenholzeri.' A 1939 cross of P. 'Garnet' and P. 'Southgate Gem' selected for longevity and sturdy stems. Attractive narrow green foliage and long-blooming tubular red flowers from summer to first frost. Almost 100 years in cultivation, this penstemon has clearly withstood the test of time.
Height: to 3 ft. Spread: to 3 ft.
Position: full sun and well-draining soil
Uses: ornamental, to attract pollinators
Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below
Care: prune to 6 inches above the ground in spring (after all danger of last frost) to rejuvenate foliage. Adding a 1-2 inch layer of gravel around the base increases survivability and prevents crown rot. Cutting back spent blooms in summer will encourage more blooming but is not necessary. No fertilizer.