Bridges' Penstemon

Penstemon rostriflorus (Bridges’ Beardtongue) carpets the American Southwest from Colorado to California with an abundance of scarlet flowers through the hottest late summer months. P. rostriflorus is remarkably long-lived, with some specimens living to 20 years at Denver Botanic Gardens. This variety has adapted for hummingbird pollination, with red, downward-facing flowers that dispense pollen quickly, maximizing each hummingbird visit. This Penstemon may reseed some; deadhead for the first two years to avoid seed set, and this will result in a stronger plant. After that, deadhead to encourage repeat blooming and if you want to avoid seedlings. It thrives in disturbed soils, so we recommend aerating the surrounding soil with push aerator or spading fork from time to time. Thrives in high elevations up to 8125 feet.