Beardlip penstemon
Penstemon barbatus
Beardlip penstemon (Penstemon barbatus) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 2–4 ft tall and 1–2 ft wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Native penstemon with vivid red tubular flowers, hummingbird magnet. Excellent drainage required.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water2–4 ft tall and 1–2 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Gordon C. Snelling, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: no rights reserved
- Photo 3: no rights reserved
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.5
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control, Hellstrips / parking strips
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 2–4 ft tall and 1–2 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~2 ft apart (1 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Growth rate
- Moderate
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early summer, mid summer
- Bloom color
- red, pink
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- foothills, montane
Planting & establishment
Water sparingly even during the first summer, these xeric species are prone to crown rot from overwatering, especially in clay. Once established, no supplemental water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Beardlip penstemon good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Beardlip penstemon is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Beardlip penstemon get?
- It matures to about 2–4 ft tall and 1–2 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant Beardlip penstemon?
- Space Beardlip penstemon about 2 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 1 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is Beardlip penstemon hardy on the Front Range?
- Beardlip penstemon is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Beardlip penstemon need?
- It needs low water once established.
- How fast does Beardlip penstemon grow?
- Beardlip penstemon is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- Is Beardlip penstemon native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Beardlip penstemon deer-resistant?
- Beardlip penstemon is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- How long does Beardlip penstemon bloom?
- Beardlip penstemon blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
