Scarlet Beardtongue

Penstemon barbatus 'Coccineus'

Scarlet Beardtongue is a perennial for focal point, mid-border, suited to full sun and loam or sandy soil, flowering Jun, Jul, Aug.

Where to use it in a border

At around 90 cm, it sits best toward the back of a border, or on its own as a focal point with room around it. Give it about 45 cm of room to spread, roughly 2 to the metre when planted in a drift. It is hardy across USDA zones 4a to 8a, so check it suits your area before planting.

It appears in our lists of full sun, sandy soil, pollinator-friendly plants.

Border Builder uses Scarlet Beardtongue's height, spread, soil, bloom months and companions to place it in a full border plan for your own conditions, on iPhone and iPad.

Flowering through the year

Worth knowing

• Its flowers are valued by bees and other pollinators.

Good companions

Plants that share its conditions and style, chosen to complement its place in the border:

• Angelita Daisyto edge in front
• Aromatic Asterto edge in front
• Beach Sunflowerto edge in front
• Bear Grassto flower when it does not
• Bearberryto edge in front
• Black Daleato edge in front

Garden styles

Native Wildlife garden Xeriscape (low-water)