Penstemon 'Firebird'

Flashy, cherry red flowers aplenty for months on end. Each bloom is around 3.5cm across and there is a good number of them on each stem. Quick to establish and flower, they are sure to be a fast favourite.

Penstemon ‘Firebird’ (AKA ‘Schoenholzeri) holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit so you know it has been put through its paces and will grow with good vigour. It dates back to the 1930’s so has assuredly stood the test of time.

The sizable, colourful flowers crowd the strong, upright stems from late spring to autumn. They take the heat and their compact nature works well in both containers and gardens.

These are the hardiest Penstemon we have ever met, and they are downy mildew resistant.

The dense foliage has a hint of blue and grows with a nice density. Penstemon can work well in gardens or pots and the flowers are even great for picking. What is more, the flowers are loved by bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.

Happy in poor, to moderately fertile, or humus rich, well drained soils. They won’t tolerate boggy soils though so ensure good drainage. Water to establish then you only need worry if rainfall is low, they become dry tolerant once they settle in.

Dead head regularly during the bloom season to promote more blooms. It is a good idea to prune them back 30-40cm above the woody base winter/early spring to promote healthy growth. When the new ones begin to bloom you can cut the old to the ground.