Scarlet Bugler
penstemon centranthifolius
Also known as: ["Scarlet Bugler","Tube Penstemon"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to California, known for its striking scarlet tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus: | Penstemon |
| Botanical Name: | Penstemon centranthifolius |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, slopes, or raised beds with excellent drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining; essential to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering in late spring or early summer; light pruning can be done in fall if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown, but avoid heavy pruning in late summer.
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 moving from shade; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent leaf scorch.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; provide shade during extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid overwatering, especially in winter; ensure soil dries out between waterings.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with low organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogged soil; amend with sand or perlite if needed.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C); can tolerate mild frosts but thrives in moderate heat.
Protect from frost; water early to avoid heat stress; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; avoid fertilizing in winter; use a phosphorus-rich formula to encourage blooms.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–6 weeks; plants may take several months to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags or propagation dome.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep medium consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; trim back leggy stems; shape the plant as needed.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to promote reblooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, clean scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Clean tools before use; prune dead or damaged stems; remove spent flowers; shape the plant; dispose of clippings properly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Move to a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider in diameter); avoid excessive root disturbance.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; ensure good drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; prefers slightly crowded roots.
Checklist
Choose a pot with drainage holes; use fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overhead watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water begins to drain from the bottom; ensure even moisture penetration but avoid wetting foliage; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth in spring and early summer; reduce frequency significantly in fall and winter to allow soil to dry completely between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in extreme cold; wilting or scorching in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf damage or dieback in temperatures below 20°F (-6°C); roots are particularly susceptible to freezing.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; move potted plants to a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; flowering may be reduced; roots can suffer from heat stress in poorly drained soil.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; water deeply in the morning; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use a balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing; stop in late summer.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; discontinue fertilizing in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPenstemon centranthifolius is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported cases of adverse effects from ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicPenstemon centranthifolius is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported cases of adverse effects from ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicPenstemon centranthifolius is not known to have significant toxic effects on humans. It is generally considered safe for handling and incidental ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Penstemon centranthifolius be watered?
A: Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot.
Q: Does Penstemon centranthifolius attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: Is Penstemon centranthifolius suitable for container gardening?
A: While possible, it prefers well-drained soil and open spaces, making it better suited for garden beds than containers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Plantaginaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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