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Key characteristics

Family: Plantaginaceae
Height: 16 to 18 inches
Width: 12 to 16 inches
Flower color: Bright red-pink tubular flowers with a hint of white in the throat
Foliage color: Dark green, narrow leaves with a fine texture
Bloom time: Late spring through summer, with potential rebloom in fall
Light: Full sun
Water: Low
Maintenance: Low; deadhead to encourage rebloom and cut back in early spring
Growing zone: USDA zones 4a (-25º to -30ºF) to 8b
Wildlife: Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies; deer resistant due to its tough foliage

Perennials

Penstemon mexicali hybrids 'P008s'

Red Rocks Beardtongue

Penstemon mexicali hybrids 'P008s' provides a vibrant display of tubular flowers from early summer into fall. The blooms, often in shades of pink, purple, or red, rise above narrow, semi-evergreen foliage, creating a lively contrast. These long-lasting flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators, making them a favorite in wildlife-friendly gardens.

Derived from a cross between Penstemon species native to the western United States and Mexico, 'P008s' hybrids are bred for improved hardiness and extended blooming.

Light

Full sun

Water

Low

Bloom time

Late spring through summer, with potential rebloom in fall

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Sun Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Hummingbird Gardens
Waterwise Gardens

Companion plants

Bee balm · Yarrow · Ornamental grasses · Garden phlox · Black-eyed Susans · Daylilies

Design tip

Late flowers extend the season, so set it behind or beside plants that finish in midsummer. In full sun it holds its shape best, and grouping several together keeps the color strong enough to be seen from across the garden.