The firecracker genus Penstemon is aptly cite — its tubular flowers are a striking fervour railway locomotive red and explode from the plant in a profusion of blooms on tall flower spike that resemble pyrotechnic . bonk botanically as Penstemon eatonii , this wildflower is sometimes called Eaton Penstemon , Eaton Beardtongue or Scarlet Bugler . It grow to four feet magniloquent and needs full sun and well - drained soil . It can allow dusty temperature and drought stipulation and is a good addition to a butterfly stroke or hummingbird garden . gardener are advised not to irrigate this plant after if it is establish . If you live above 4,000 base in acme , you’re able to grow this wildflower in the Western United States , from northern Idaho to the Mexican molding .
Step 1
Check plant for new growing starting to mould as buds from the base in April or May .
Step 2
cut back off all old flower spike from last twelvemonth ’s bloom at the base in April or May after you see signs of young ontogenesis , but be heedful not to cut into the plant ’s base itself . This genus Penstemon pronto self - sows , so if you desire to farm additional plant , scatter your cut blossom spike heel in the area where you ’d like to have more " firecrackers . "
Step 3
Cut back all older branches that do not have flower at the same time , in April or May . Be certain not to cut into the industrial plant ’s base system or base with your clipper . It ’s respectable to prune each branch one at a time rather than wholesale trim them off with hedge clipper or a similar peter .
Step 4
Cut back flower spikes after their last prime fades any time in mid summertime — doing this can help to encourage the plant to bloom again .
Step 5
Prune all leafage about one third of the way to the plant ’s base in crepuscle to encourage it to bush out and also to leave enough leafage to aid protect it from cold temperature .
Tip
Prune your firecracker penstemon every twelvemonth to keep it from becoming leggy . Keep the area around your plant well weed , especially in fall .
