Penstemon eatonii

Penstemon eatonii, Firecracker Penstemon,  is similar to Penstemon centranthifolius, in that most leaves are arranged in a low rosette next to the ground, and the flowers are borne on vertical flowering stalks 1 ft. to 4 ft. high, but without the waxy blue coating on leaves and the leaves are more rounded. Native to southwest desert mountains commonly in openings between Pinyon Pines. Associated plants include Pinus monophylla,  Quercus chrysolepis,  Salvia dorrii, Ericameria linearifolia, Juniperus osteosperma, Cowania, Fallugia, Coleogyne, and Artemisia tridentata. 

Penstemon eatonii needs good drainage and some water in spring and fall; giving the plant a couple of indirect summer waterings will help it stay evergreen in late summer. Firecracker Penstemon, with red tubular flowers, is one of the showier Penstemons, and tolerates shade, likes sun.

This Penstemon is a cute little perennial to add into a rock garden or border planting. Mix with Encelia actoni, Eriogonum umbellatum, Eriogonum wrightii subscaposum, Mirabilis californica, Monardella villosa subserrata, and other little native perennials.

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