Beardtongue Red Riding Hood, Beard Tongue Red Riding Hood
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.
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.
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.
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 |
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 Penstemon Red Riding Hood (Beardtongue) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Penstemon Red Riding Hood (Beardtongue) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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