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| Category: Perennial |
| Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figworts) |
| Origin: North America |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Burgundy |
| Bloomtime: Spring/Fall |
| 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 'Burgundy Brew' (Beard Tongue) - This durable cultivar is known for its longevity in the garden and having unusually colored flowers that are larger than other Penstemon hybrids. It is an evergreen perennial or sub-shrub to 4 feet tall with dark stems heavily clothed with narrow lanceolata dark green leaves. The large trumpet-shaped dark burgundy colored flowers having lighter colored throats are held in 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, at 1 ½ inches long by 1 ¾ inches wide on lower lip are the largest of the hybrids. The dark burgundy flower is darkest at the petal tips with a pale lavender to white throat striated with magenta and green calyces with red margins. 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 sold this plant from 1994 until 2007.
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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