Bridge's Penstemon
Bridges' penstemon is a perennial flower native to the southwestern United States. It is a somewhat shrubby, long-lived plant with tufts of dark, evergreen foliage.
The slender trumpet-shaped flowers are orange-red and bloom prolifically through the hot summer months. While most penstemons bloom early, Bridges' Penstemon will flower later in the summer. This little-known southwestern native wildflower is noted for having a longer life span than most other penstemons.
Bridge's Penstemon
Bridges' penstemon is a perennial flower native to the southwestern United States. It is a somewhat shrubby, long-lived plant with tufts of dark, evergreen foliage.
The slender trumpet-shaped flowers are orange-red and bloom prolifically through the hot summer months. While most penstemons bloom early, Bridges' Penstemon will flower later in the summer. This little-known southwestern native wildflower is noted for having a longer life span than most other penstemons.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Penstemon rostriflorus
Pronunciation
PEN-stem-on rost-rih-FLOR-us
Mature Height
2 to 3 ft.
Mature Spread
2 to 3 ft.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
orange-red
Bloom time
July and August
Colorado Native
Yes
Natural Habitat
southwestern United States
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 4-8
Elevation Limit
hardy to 7,000 ft.
Performance
Bridge's penstemon is a good choice for a hot sunny location. It has grown well at the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. The show of scarlet flowers is quite impressive and is a welcome sight later in the growing season.
Maintenance
This plant needs little to no maintainence. It may be pruned lightly in the spring to remove any winter-kill and to create a more compact plant.