Penstemon 'Quartz Red' is a striking beardtongue cultivar that produces vivid scarlet red tubular flowers atop upright stems. Its deep green lance shaped foliage creates a clean backdrop for the floral display which begins in early summer and continues for several weeks.
Height & Spread: 18 - 24 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Early to midsummer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, moderately fertile soil
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from North American Penstemon species. Retains strong pollinator value and adaptability to native plantings.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Hummingbirds
- Attracts Ruby Throated Hummingbirds with its tubular red flowers and high nectar content.
Bees
- Visited by long tongued native bees, including digger bees and bumblebees.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to ensure upright growth and airflow between plants.
Landscape Placement
- Excellent for pollinator beds, native borders, and sunny rock gardens. Pairs well with ornamental grasses and other drought tolerant blooms.
Companion Plants
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - A pollinator magnet that extends seasonal bloom time.
- Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' - Adds movement and upright form with red tinted foliage in late summer.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Offers upright purple spikes that contrast with Penstemon’s red blooms.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Adds fine texture and yellow blooms to brighten dry borders.
- Achillea millefolium 'Paprika' - Brings bold red and gold tones with similar drought tolerance.