Penstemon 'Red Riding Hood' is a compact upright perennial with bright cherry red flowers that attract pollinators and provide vibrant summer color. Its tidy habit and reliable bloom make it a standout in borders, containers, and small garden spaces.
Height & Spread: 18 - 24 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Early summer to mid summer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, average to sandy soil
Watering Needs: Low to moderate
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
Though not native, this hybrid Penstemon shares lineage with native North American species and contributes to pollinator habitats.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Hummingbirds
- Highly attractive to Ruby Throated Hummingbirds, which are drawn to its vibrant red blooms.
Bees
- Visited by long tongued bees and occasionally small solitary bees in sunny locations.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to maintain compact form and airflow.
Landscape Placement:
- Best for pollinator borders, front of the border placements, and container arrangements with drought tolerant companions.
Companion Plants
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Provides vertical movement and bronze fall color to contrast with Penstemon foliage.
- Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) - Offers purple flower spikes and aromatic foliage with similar drought needs.
- Oenothera fruticosa (Sundrops) - Delivers bright yellow blooms that complement red flowers and attract pollinators.
- Eryngium planum (Sea Holly) - Adds spiky blue texture and tolerates heat and dry soils well.
- Coreopsis lanceolata - Provides cheerful yellow flowers and a long bloom period alongside Penstemon.