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Penstemon Red Riding Hood (Beardtongue)

Beardtongue Red Riding Hood, Beard Tongue Red Riding Hood

Penstemon Red Riding Hood, Red Penstemon, Red Beardtongue

Penstemon ‘Red Riding Hood’ is a captivating perennial known for its vibrant red tubular flowers and an upright, clumping habit. This hybrid variety is a garden jewel, boasting a profusion of blooms that create a visually striking display.

Penstemon Red Riding Hood: An In-depth Look

Native: While the genus Penstemon is largely native to North America, Red Riding Hood is a cultivated variety developed for specific ornamental traits, thus not native to a specific region.

Plant Type and Habit: This perennial showcases an upright, clumping growth habit. It forms mounds of foliage with flower spikes that extend upwards, presenting a showy, organized visual.

Size: Red Riding Hood achieves a moderate size, growing typically to about 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) in height and spreading approximately 18-24 inches (45-60 cm), making it suitable for mixed borders or as a stand-alone specimen.

Flowers: The hallmark of Red Riding Hood is its brilliant red, tubular flowers. These blooms are known for their hummingbird-attracting ability and are perfect for adding a bold color to gardens.

Bloom Time: The bloom period is relatively extended, beginning in early summer and continuing until fall.

Foliage: The foliage is a lush green, lanceolate in shape, and forms a neat mound which provides an excellent backdrop for the bright flowers.

Uses: Red Riding Hood is versatile; it’s used in borders, containers, pollinator gardens, and as a cut flower. Its vibrant color makes it a focal point in landscape design.

Pollinators: Penstemon is attractive to various pollinators, especially bees, and hummingbirds, drawn to their 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: While no plant is entirely deer or rabbit-proof, Red Riding Hood is often less palatable to these critters compared to other garden plants.

Drought: Once established, Red Riding Hood is relatively drought-tolerant. However, regular watering will ensure the best flowering performance.

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-ripe cuttings in midsummer.

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.

Penstemon: How to Grow and Care with Success


Properly growing Penstemon ensures robust, vibrant blooms and foliage, enhances garden biodiversity by attracting pollinators, prevents disease, and maintains plant health. Thriving plants provide longer-lasting beauty and environmental benefits, contributing positively to local ecosystems and the aesthetic value of your landscape.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Climate Zones 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Plantaginaceae
Genus Penstemon
Common names Beardtongue, Penstemon
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit, Dry Soil
Attracts Bees, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Penstemon pallidus (Pale Beardtongue)
Penstemon pseudospectabilis (Desert Beardtongue)
Penstemon parryi (Parry’s Beardtongue)
Penstemon heterophyllus ‘Electric Blue’ (Foothill Beardtongue)
Penstemon ‘Evelyn’ (Beardtongue)
Penstemon ovatus (Eggleaf Beardtongue)

Recommended Companion Plants

Salvia (Sage)
Achillea (Yarrow)
Echinacea (Coneflower)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

35 Flowering Shrubs That Thrive in Full Sun
Penstemon and Pollinators: A Harmonious Dance in the Garden
Thriving in Thirst: Colorful Penstemons for Water-Wise Landscapes
Penstemon: How to Grow and Care with Success
Penstemon (Beardtongue)
For the Love of Bees: Best Flowers to Attract them to Your Garden
How to Cultivate a Thriving Bee-Friendly Garden
Best Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds
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 5 - 9
Climate Zones 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Plantaginaceae
Genus Penstemon
Common names Beardtongue, Penstemon
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit, Dry Soil
Attracts Bees, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Penstemon (Beardtongue)
Not sure which Penstemon (Beardtongue) to pick?
Compare Now

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