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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Penstemon pinifolius 'Red Riding Hood'

Red Riding Hood Beardtongue

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.

Light

Full sun

Water

Low; drought-tolerant once established

Bloom time

Late spring through summer

Find this plant

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.