Scarlet Bugler

Penstemon centranthifolius

Scarlet Bugler is a perennial for mid-border, suited to full sun and loam or sandy soil, flowering Mar, Apr, May, Jun.

Where to use it in a border

At around 120 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 8a to 10b and rated H4 by the RHS, so check it suits your area before planting.

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

Border Builder uses Scarlet Bugler'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:

• Golden Currantfor height behind it
• Purple Hopseed Bushfor height behind it
• Purple Sageas a partner at the same level
• Showy Penstemonas a partner at the same level
• St. Catherine's Lacefor height behind it
• Western Blue-eyed Grassto edge in front

Garden styles

Coastal Mediterranean Modern Xeriscape (low-water)