Penstemon Polaris™ Red

Polaris™ Series Beardtongue

Note: This is an archive page preserved for informational use.
Cultural and Growing Info is provided below.

No Pampering Needed
Easy-care with energizing color! Brilliant large flowers on strong, bushy plants are perfect for adding true red that is often missed with perennials. The pronounced white throat accents the vivid red trumpets. A sun lover for hot dry sites, the well-branched habit with wide foliage promotes abundant flowering. The nectar-rich flowers of Penstemon Polaris™ Red are indispensable to pollinators like hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. In the wild, Beardtongue is among the first plants to colonize land that has been decimated from fire, erosion and road cuts.

Code PERE

Patent Pending 'Florpenred'

Plant Type Perennials

Species

Height Medium 18-24"

Spacing Plant 18" apart

Bloom Time Late Spring to Late Summer

Sun / Shade Full Sun to Mostly Sunny

Zones 5-9

Soil Type Normal, Sandy

Water Needs Low

Sold In Plantable Pots (3.5x3.5x4")

Special Features

  • Beneficial for Pollinators
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Good for Cut Flowers
  • Attracts Hummingbirds
  • Long-Blooming
  • Hot Dry Site Tolerant
  • Seaside/Salt Tolerant

Penstemon General Information

Penstemon are an American native with colorful tubular bell-shaped flowers. Will attract butterflies and hummingbirds and does well in a drier climate. Drought resistant once established. Waxy green foliage stays lush through summer's heat. Avoid too moist (wet feet). Songbirds feast on the seed in fall and winter. Idaho has restricted all potted plant material from being shipped into Idaho at this time.

Penstemon Plant Care

Best in loose, gravelly soil with good drainage. Pinching back taller varieties when about 12" tall will produce more compact plants. Can be divided every 3-4 years in spring by digging mature rhizomes and replanting. Will self sow. Foliage can be trimmed after blooming to freshen. Clean up in fall or spring. May benefit from dry winter mulch in colder zones.

Plantable Pots

Our plants are grown in 3.5x3.5x4” plantable pots. Made from 100% biodegradable coconut husk fibers (coir), these pots have tremendous advantages over plastic pots. With better air exchange, this "breathable" pot fosters robust root growth and reduces transplant shock since you can plant the pots directly in the ground. The pot naturally becomes part of the soil on its own over time—no composting required—and since they're made from a renewable resource that requires very little energy, they're earth-friendly too!

100% Guarantee

We offer a 100% guarantee for all our perennials to reach you in good condition and to grow. If you're not satisfied, we'll reship or refund immediately. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns—we share your passion for gardening and want your new plants to thrive in your border!

Shipping Details

We use custom, earth-friendly packaging to make sure your order arrives in great condition, and we ship based on the best planting time for your growing zone (see the approximate dates below), unless otherwise indicated at checkout. If you wish, you can indicate a specific ship date during checkout.

Spring

  • Zones 3, 4: Early to Mid May
  • Zone 5: Late April to Early May
  • Zone 6: Mid to Late April
  • Zone 7: Early to Mid April
  • Zones 8, 9 10: Early April

Fall

  • Zone 2, 3, 4: Early September
  • Zone 5: Early to Mid September
  • Zone 6: Mid September
  • Zone 7: Mid to Late September
  • Zone 8, 9, 10: Late September to Early October

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