Penstemon eatonii Seeds | Firecracker Penstemon
LATIN NAME: Penstemon eatonii
COMMON NAME: Firecracker Penstemon, Eaton’s Penstemon
Plant Profile
Known to gardeners as Firecracker Penstemon, Penstemon eatonii is an evergreen perennial in the plantain family, native to western united states, primarily found in arid and rocky landscapes. These traits together are what have kept the plant in gardens for so long.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Penstemon eatonii ranges from the botany of the plantain family to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. Firecracker penstemon has a real and distinguished place in research. For researchers, plants like this one offer practical material for propagation studies and selection work.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Firecracker Penstemon for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Firecracker penstemon is an upright perennial of dry, rocky slopes, bearing grey-green, basal leaves and tall spikes of bright-red, tubular flowers in late spring. To raise firecracker penstemon, sow seeds on surface of pots of sandy, open soil in a sunny, cool place, keep them gently watered, and grow little plants on in the sun. A plant that has settled in will get along with only routine care.
Penstemons are hummingbird pollinator royalty of the American West, grown for their tubular summer spires.
Growing from Seed
Firecracker Penstemon grows readily from seed. Use a fine, free-draining seed compost, scatter the seed evenly, cover it lightly and hold it just moist in good light. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
Part of this plant’s appeal is the long practical history summarized above. Once established, Firecracker Penstemon, Eaton’s Penstemon largely looks after itself. Its wants are few — a sunny spot, soil that drains, and time to settle in.
Related Reading
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