Perennial
Firecracker Penstemon
Penstemon eatonii
Scarlet spikes in early spring, just as the first hummingbirds arrive. Pure desert toughness.
- Pollinator
- Hummingbird
- Native
- Evergreen
- Deer-resistant
Quick facts
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 4–9
- Water
- Very low once established
- Sun
- Full sun
- Size
- 18–36 in. tall × 12–18 in. wide
- Bloom & interest
- Scarlet tubular flowers on tall stalks, early spring to early summer
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Native range
- Native to the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau (UT, NV, AZ, CO, ID, CA, WY)
Why we recommend it
One of the earliest hummingbird flowers in the interior West, blooming on no supplemental water once established, with semi-evergreen leaves.
Best regions: Great BasinHigh DesertSouthwestFront Range
How to grow it
Watering to establish
Water weekly the first spring and summer, then stop; established plants rot with regular irrigation.
Pruning
Cut spent stalks after bloom (or leave a few to self-sow); keep the basal leaves.
Soil
Lean, gravelly or sandy soil with perfect drainage. No compost or fertilizer.
Pairs well with
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Where to buy
Shop Firecracker Penstemon from trusted growers. For the best selection of xeric plants, try a mail-order specialist or ask a local independent nursery.
- High Country Gardens (opens in a new tab)Xeric specialist
- Nature Hills Nursery (opens in a new tab)Wide selection
- American Meadows (opens in a new tab)Perennials & seeds
- Etsy (opens in a new tab)Small growers
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