Red Riding Hood Penstemon
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners wanting to attract local pollinators.
Brighten your garden with the 'Red Riding Hood' Penstemon, a resilient perennial that thrives in full sun. This variety boasts striking, cherry-red flower spikes atop neat, upright foliage, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. Once established, it's remarkably drought-tolerant and also makes a beautiful addition to cut flower arrangements. Known commonly as Bearded Tongue, this plant is a delightful and easy-to-grow addition for USDA Zones 5-8, shipping as a potted perennial ready for planting.
$12.65
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
832
/ 2997
#832 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-54%
Below average
Mature Height
1824
/ - inches tall
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking long-lasting, vibrant color throughout the summer season
- Water-conscious homeowners living in arid or drought-prone climates
- Eco-conscious gardeners looking to support local hummingbird and bee populations
Who should skip it
- Gardeners working with heavy, moisture-retaining clay soil types
- Landscapers desiring permanent, long-term perennial garden fixtures
- Low-maintenance gardeners who prefer a hands-off approach to plant care
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Appeal
A reliable magnet for hummingbirds, butterflies, and essential garden bees.
Drought Resilience
Establishes quickly to withstand dry spells with minimal supplemental watering.
Maintenance Ease
A low-fuss perennial that thrives with very little gardener intervention.
Deer Resistance
Unappealing foliage helps keep local wildlife from grazing on your blooms.
Visual Impact
Striking cherry-red spikes provide high-contrast color throughout the summer season.
Establishment Success
Potted delivery ensures a stronger root system than bare-root alternatives.
Key Specs
Mature Height
18-24 inches tall
Mature Spread
18-24 inches wide
Growing Zones
5-8
Light Requirements
Full Sun
Soil Type
Well-Drained Soil (Loamy, Sandy, Clay)
Ships As
Potted Plant
Plant Life Cycle
Perennial
Neonicotinoid Free
Yes
Features
- Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
- Produces bold, cherry-red flower spikes
- Compact, upright foliage habit
- Excellent for cut flowers
- Drought-tolerant once established
- Bee friendly pollinator magnet
- Easy-to-grow perennial
- Deer resistant
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Red Riding Hood Penstemon for its stunning true red color and exceptional hardiness. This variety offers reliable, long-lasting summer blooms that attract numerous hummingbirds, making it a dynamic garden feature. Reviewers appreciate that American Meadows ships healthy, viable plants, leading to high success rates when planted correctly. A key benefit is its drought tolerance once established, appealing to gardeners in drier regions who value its low maintenance. While initial establishment requires well-drained soil, the consensus is that this perennial delivers vibrant color and significant ecological value, making it a highly recommended choice for sunny garden spots.
Know before you buy
This plant thrives in full sun, meaning it needs at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. It requires well-drained soil to prevent root rot, but it is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay compositions.
Yes, Penstemon is generally considered deer resistant. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, the bitter taste and texture of this variety typically discourage deer from browsing on it.
Since this variety reaches a mature spread of 18 to 24 inches, you should space them about 18 to 24 inches apart. This ensures proper air circulation, which helps maintain the health of the foliage.
No, once established, the Red Riding Hood Penstemon is remarkably drought-tolerant. You will only need to provide supplemental water during extended periods of extreme heat or severe drought.
Absolutely. The striking, cherry-red flower spikes are excellent for cut flower arrangements and hold up well in a vase, adding a vibrant pop of color to your home.
Yes, this is a hardy perennial. As long as you are gardening within USDA Zones 5 through 8, the plant will go dormant in the winter and return with new growth each spring.
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$13