Bold and sumptuous, award-winning Penstemon ‘Firebird’ or ‘Schoenholzeri’ is a bushy semi-evergreen perennial prized for its fiery red blooms resembling flickering flames. Its dramatic spires of tubular flowers make it a standout in borders and mixed perennial beds.
Penstemon ‘Firebird’: An In-depth Look
Native: This cultivar is not a native species but derived from parent species native to North America.
Plant Type and Habit: It’s a herbaceous perennial with a semi-evergreen habit in milder climates. It has a clump-forming habit that makes it suitable as a border plant.
Size: This Penstemon grows to 3 feet tall (90 cm) and 2 feet wide (60 cm), adding lovely vertical lines to the landscape.
Flowers: It showcases large, bell-shaped, crimson flowers, 1.5 inches across (3.5 cm), revealing a white throat with pale pink stripes. They are held on erect wine-red stems.
Bloom Time: Expect a spectacular show from mid-summer through fall.
Foliage: The flowers rise above the foliage mound of lance-shaped, deep green leaves.
Award: Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
Uses: This Penstemon is versatile, suitable for border plantings, container gardens, rock gardens, and as part of pollinator-friendly landscapes. Good as cut flowers, too!
Pollinators: Penstemon attracts various pollinators, especially bees and hummingbirds, drawn to the nectar-rich flowers.
Toxicity: Penstemons are not known to be toxic to humans or pets. However, it’s always prudent to prevent ingestion of any non-edible plants.
Deer and Rabbit: A bonus is its resistance to deer and rabbits, a characteristic attributed to the texture and taste of the foliage that these animals generally find unappealing.
Drought: Once established, this Penstemon shows good drought tolerance. While it prefers consistent moisture levels, it can endure short periods of dry conditions, a boon for gardeners in more arid climates.
Invasiveness: Penstemons are not known for being invasive.
Penstemon Growing Tips
Light: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sun per day). Tolerates light shade.
Soil: Well-drained soil is crucial. Penstemons prefer rocky or sandy lean soils rather than rich garden loam. Avoid overly moist, poorly drained soils.
Water: Water well until plants are established. Once established, Penstemons tolerate some drought. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Over-watering or wet soils can lead to root rot.
Fertilizer: Penstemon plants generally do not require heavy fertilization and can thrive in relatively lean soil conditions. However, providing them with a light application of an organic fertilizer in the fall can help boost their growth and flowering potential.
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Cut back plants in late autumn or early spring to promote vigorous growth.
Mulching: Mulching Penstemon can help regulate ground temperature and suppress weed growth. Choose a mulch that does not hold water. Use organic materials like shredded bark, compost, or pine straw. Avoiding direct contact with the stems to prevent rot and pest issues.
Propagation: Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in midsummer. Propagate by division in spring.
Pests and Diseases: No serious pest or disease issues, but watch for slugs, snails, and nematodes. Fungal diseases can occur in overly wet conditions; ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent issues like powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Rust can cause small, rust-colored pustules on leaves and stems, leading to defoliation and stunted growth.
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.