Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Penstemon pinifolius 'Red Riding Hood'
Red Riding Hood Beardtongue
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Height
- 12-18 inches tall
- Width
- 12-18 inches wide
- Flower color
- Bright red, tubular flowers
- Foliage color
- Fine, needle-like green leaves
- Bloom time
- Late spring through summer
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low; drought-tolerant once established
- Maintenance
- Low; prune after blooming
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 5-9
- Wildlife
- Attracts hummingbirds and bees
About this plant
Penstemon pinifolius 'Red Riding Hood' is a vibrant cultivar, celebrated for its dense display of fiery red, tubular flowers. Originating from the southwestern United States, this hardy perennial is well-suited to dry, rocky landscapes, where it thrives in sunny, well-drained spots. Its fine, needle-like foliage adds a unique texture to gardens, creating a soft green backdrop for the vivid blooms.
Blooming from late spring through summer, 'Red Riding Hood' attracts a host of pollinators, especially hummingbirds, who are drawn to the bright red blossoms. This long-blooming, drought-tolerant variety adds a bold pop of color to xeriscapes, borders, or rock gardens, offering both beauty and resilience in challenging growing conditions.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Hummingbird Gardens · Waterwise Gardens
Companion plants
Shasta daisies · Asters · Catmint · Coreopsis · Bearded irises · Bee balm
Design tip
The long summer show pairs well with plants that peak earlier, keeping one area interesting for months. In full sun it holds its shape best, and grouping several together keeps the color strong enough to be seen from across the garden.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
