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| Category: Perennial |
| Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figworts) |
| Origin: North America |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Red |
| Bloomtime: Spring/Fall |
| Synonyms: [Penstemon 'Schönholzeri'] |
| Height: 2-3 feet |
| Width: 2-3 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Deer Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: <15° F |
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Penstemon 'Firebird' (Beard Tongue) - This durable plant, also known as Penstemon 'Schönholzeri', is one of the first of the Border Penstemon that we grew, first listing it in 1983 and it its one of the more vigorous and floriferous of the hybrids. It is an evergreen perennial or sub-shrub to 3 feet tall with reddish brown stems heavily clothed with 4 inch long lance shaped dark green leaves. The large trumpet-shaped rich red flowers are 1 ¼ inch long and as broad with a red throat that has some pale pink to white at the base and dark calyces. The flowers are held on dark stemmed dense branched terminal inflorescence (cyme) that that appear in a succession of flowering peaks from late spring until fall and often appearing year-round in coastal gardens. The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies into the garden. Plant in full sun along the coast and provide some light shade inland. Tolerates and even thrive in poor soils and alkaline conditions but requires relatively good drainage. Can survive very dry conditions in cooler coastal gardens but looks better with occasional irrigation and requires it in hotter locations. Pinch plants after the first bloom to promote a quick re-bloom and cut back hard in winter to encourage a new flush of dense growth in spring. While extremely showy, Border Penstemons are notably short lived and for plantings to look best, they should be replanted every 3-5 years. Hardy to below 15° F and even much lower if soil is not moist. The Bedding or Border Penstemons are now considered to have a complex parentage involving Penstemon cobaea, P. hartwegii, P. campanulata, P. gentianoides and P. isophyllus. We have seen several "forms" of this plant in the nursery trade. There is a very similar plant with a white throat and broader paler green foliage that has also been sold as 'Firebird'.
The description above is based on our research and observations of this plant growing in our nursery and in our own and other Santa Barbara gardens. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has additional information or disagrees with what we have written.
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