Scarlet Bugler
penstemon barbatus
Also known as: ["Beardtongue","Red Penstemon"]
Overview
A hardy perennial with striking tubular red flowers, native to North America.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus: | Penstemon |
| Botanical Name: | Penstemon barbatus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: border plantings, rock gardens, or raised beds in temperate climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter. Avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead spent flowers throughout the growing season; perform a light rejuvenation pruning in late summer or early fall.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate. Focus on removing spent flowers and weak stems; avoid heavy pruning unless necess
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer blooms.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight if moved from shade. Protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates to prevent scorching. Ensure good air circulation if grown in dense shade.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate pots for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid overwatering, especially in winter; ensure soil dries between waterings.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a cactus or succulent mix as a base; ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid overwatering to prevent soil compaction.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates cooler nights and can survive light frosts.
Protect from extreme heat and cold; adjust watering with temperature changes; monitor for signs of stress.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; stop feeding during dormancy; use a low-nitrogen formula to avoid excessive foliage growth.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed. Stem cuttings are faster and more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings just below a node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Maintain humidity with a plastic cover.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid, and bright but indirect light. Protect from direct sun and drafts.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus/succulent potting soil.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone powder for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; plants may take 2–3 months to establish.
Tools Needed
Sharp pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep medium consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean, sharp pruners to cut spent flowers just above a leaf node or healthy bud. Trim back weak or damaged stems to the base.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage reblooming, and remove dead or weak growth. Deadheading spent flowers is essential for continuous blooming.
Tools
Hand pruners or sharp scissors, disinfectant (e.g., rubbing alcohol), gloves.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune spent flowers; remove weak or dead stems; shape the plant as needed; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring, just before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant from its pot; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Penstemon prefers slightly crowded roots but benefits from fresh soil.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone. Apply until water begins to drain from the bottom, ensuring even saturation without pooling. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter to once every 3–4 weeks. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or compost to improve drainage and aeration. Ensure soil is not compacted.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or root rot in cold, wet conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause root damage if soil remains wet. Plants can tolerate light frost but may die back in severe cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter to insulate roots; avoid overwatering; move potted plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C).
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, flower bud drop, and leaf scorch, especially if combined with drought stress.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding; water after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPenstemon barbatus is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts associated with this plant when ingested or handled by cats.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicPenstemon barbatus is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts associated with this plant when ingested or handled by dogs.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Humans
Non-toxicPenstemon barbatus is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Penstemon barbatus be watered?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings, as it is drought-tolerant.
Q: Does Penstemon barbatus attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Q: Can Penstemon barbatus be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers but requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Plantaginaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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