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| Category: Perennial |
| Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figworts) |
| Origin: Mexico (North America) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Fuchsia Pink |
| Bloomtime: Summer |
| Synonyms: [P.‘Andenken an Friedrich Hahn’] |
| Parentage: (Penstemon campanulatus hybrid) |
| Height: 1-2 feet |
| Width: 1-2 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Deer Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Penstemon 'Garnet' (Beard Tongue) - This plant, often considered a Penstemon campanulatus hybrid, is one of the longest living Penstemon hybrids in our garden. It has finer texture than the other Border Penstemon hybrids and a bit more sprawly open habit. It is an evergreen perennial or sub-shrub with a spreading form to 2 feet tall with slender stems clothed with narrow lance shaped dark green leaves. The trumpet-shaped garnet red flowers with red striped with throats are in held on dense spikes that arch outward from the center of the plant 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.
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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