Firecracker Penstemon (Penstemon eatonii)

Firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii) is a striking perennial with bright red, tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds. Native to Southern and Central California, it thrives in desert mountains and the Mojave Desert at elevations of 4,900–9,200 feet. This heat-loving, drought-tolerant plant is ideal for rock gardens, desert landscapes, and interior valleys. Its long, scarlet flower spikes add vibrant color while supporting pollinators in dry, sunny gardens. Description from Calscape.

Grower: Nature's Seed

Other Names Used: Eaton firecracker, Eaton's firecracker

Family: Plantaginaceae

Life Cycle: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Sun Exposure: Full, Partial

Bloom Period: Summer (June to July) 

Bloom Color(s): Red, Yellow

Plant Height: 2-3 feet tall

Plant Width: 3  feet wide

California Regions:

• Sierra Nevada
• Southern California Inland
• Desert

Ecological Benefits:

• Attracts pollinators, birds, wildlife, bats
  

Ecological Functions:

• Grows in Containers
  

Habitat Type:

• Creosote Bush Scrub
• Pinyon-Juniper Woodland 
  

Human Uses/Cautions: 

Skill Level: Experienced

Seed Pretreatment: 1-2 months cold stratification