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Penstemon centranthifolius (Scarlet Bugler)

Scarlet Bugler

Penstemon centranthifolius, Scarlet Bugler, Red Penstemon, Red Beardtongue, California Native Perennial, California Native Plant

A favorite with hummingbirds, Penstemon centranthifolius (Scarlet Bugler) is a showy perennial with ascending stems laden with brilliant red to orange-red, nearly radially symmetrical flowers in mid-spring to mid-summer. The tubular flowers attract bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and especially hummingbirds. They rise above a basal rosette of broadly spoon-shaped, waxy gray leaves that are attractive in their own right. Widely distributed throughout dry coastal and inland foothill zones of California from the Bay Area into Mexico, Scarlet Bugler adds lovely vertical lines to the landscape. It is a fine choice for rock gardens, Mediterranean gardens, and mixed with other water-wise perennials.

  • Grows up to 24-48 in. tall (60-120 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun to partial shade in dry, well-drained soils. It does not grow well in areas with poor drainage. Drought tolerant once established. Penstemons need very little water and barely any fertilizer.
  • Provides a bold impact in beds and borders, rock gardens, Mediterranean gardens, banks, and slopes, or containers. Great for naturalistic planting schemes.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant.
  • Remove dead flower stalks after flowering or let them develop seeds for wildlife food and for new plants to develop in the garden.
  • Propagate using half-woody cuttings or seeds.
  • Native to California.

Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 10
Climate Zones 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Plantaginaceae
Genus Penstemon
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 2' - 4'
(60cm - 120cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 18"
(30cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants California, United States
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Clay Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Penstemon 'Onyx and Pearls', Onyx and Pearls Beardtongue, Beardtongue 'Onyx and Pearls', White Penstemon, White Beardtongue, Black Penstemon, Black Beardtongue
Penstemon heterophyllus, Bunchleaf Penstemon, Bunchleaf Beardtongue, Foothill Penstemon, Foothill Beardtongue, California Native Plants
Penstemon 'Midnight Masquerade',  Beardtongue 'Midnight Masquerade', Purple Penstemon, Purple Beardtongue, Lavender Penstemon, Lavender Beardtongue
Penstemon serrulatus, Serrulate Penstemon, Serrulate Beardtongue, Cascade Penstemon, Cascade Beardtongue, Coast Penstemon, Coast Beardtongue, Purple Penstemon, Purple Beardtongue
Penstemon confertus, Yellow Penstemon, Yellow Beardtongue
Penstemon palmeri, Palmer's Penstemon, Palmer's Beardtongue, Scented Penstemon, Scented Beardtongue, Pink Penstemon, Pink Beardtongue

Recommended Companion Plants

Romneya Coulteri,Californian Tree poppy, Californian Poppy Bush Poppy, Canyon Poppy Dream of the Desert, Giant White Californian Poppy, Matilija Poppy, white flowers, Mediterranean shrubAGM Award
Yucca whipplei, Our Lord's Candle, Spanish Bayonet, Chaparral Yucca, Hesperoyucca whipplei, Yucca peninsularis, Drought tolerant Evergreen, Hardy succulent

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 10
Climate Zones 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Plantaginaceae
Genus Penstemon
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 2' - 4'
(60cm - 120cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 18"
(30cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants California, United States
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Clay Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Learn Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Penstemon
Guides with
Penstemon
Not sure which Penstemon to pick?
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