PRODUCT INFORMATION Seeds are dormant. Need to be cold stratified for 30 days. Bearded Tongue / Firecracker Penstemon Native Crimson-red flowers in the summer Drought tolerant, once established Deer tend to avoid Tubular, crimson-red blooms are a beacon to hummingbirds and butterflies. Red Penstemon flowers in profusion from June to September, and narrow, glossy dark green foliage provides a dramatic backdrop for the blooms. An easy-care, low-maintenance, native perennial, Red Penstemon grows 16-18 in. tall and is suitable for rock gardens, borders and open woodland areas. It's drought tolerant, once established, and deer tend to avoid. For best results, plant in full sun to partial shade. Zones 5-9 This easy-to-grow perennial makes a unique, vibrant statement in the garden and is lovely when cut for bouquets. Also known as Firecracker Penstemon, this perennial blazes with intense crimson color. This western native thrives in desert areas, so it is very resistant to heat and drought, making it an ideal choice for xeriscaping. John Mitchell, an 18th century American botanist, recorded the first botanical description of this plant genus; Carl Linnaeus included it in his landmark publication Species Plantarum in 1753. According to legend, Native Americans once used this plant as a versatile medicinal remedy. Its unusual common name comes from a fuzzy "tongue" in each open bloom, which gives a slight resemblance to a mouth and a tongue. The genus name "Penstemon" comes from Greek words for "five threads," referring to the stamens of each blossom. FAST FACTS Common Names: Firecracker Penstemon Latin Name: Penstemon eatonii Species Origin: US Native Wildflower Type: Native Wildflowers Life Cycle: Perennial USDA Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks Sunlight: Full Sun Height: 24 Inches Color: Red Bloom Season: Blooms Late Spring, Blooms Early Summer Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Hummingbirds, Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, pressing into the surface of the soil since this seed needs light to germinate. For spring planting, mix the Eaton's Penstemon seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30-60 days before planting. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination. This seed can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before planting in the spring. Growing: Water seedlings until they become established. This plant develops rather slowly, and usually begins blooming in its second year. Mature plants tolerate drought well, though they also appreciate occasional watering in especially dry weather; excessive heat and dryness can cause wilting. This plant grows well in rocky soil, and has excellent resistance to disease and pests. After blooming cut the plant back to several inches above the soil, unless seed is wanted. Do not overwater, since this plant is particularly susceptible to root rot if the soil becomes too moist. If seeds are not required, cut the plant back after blooming has finished. This plant often self-sows, and is highly attractive to bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Harvesting: For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened. Strip the foliage that will fall below the water level, and place in water immediately. Buy Seeds Online Organic Seeds Heirloom Seeds Non-GMO Seeds Vegetable Seeds Flower Seeds Herb Seeds Fruit Seeds Garden Seeds Seed Starter Kits Rare Seeds Bulk Seeds Indoor Gardening Seeds Seed Catalog Seed Packs for Sale Sustainable Seeds Greenhouse Seeds Seed Suppliers Planting Seeds Home Garden Seeds