Firebird Beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis 'Firebird'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate, drought-tolerant once established
Humidity
Prefers dry to moderate humidity
Lifespan
Short-lived perennial
Native To
North America (hybrid)
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
A hybrid beardtongue, this is a bushy, clump-forming perennial with lance-shaped, green leaves that produces spikes of vibrant scarlet-red, tubular flowers from summer to fall. This cultivar is known for its vibrant fire-red flowers and its resilience in drought conditions.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds lightly into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Mist cuttings regularly to keep soil moist and promote rooting.
- Transplant seedlings after the last frost for best growth.
- Fertilize with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer monthly during growing season.
- Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooms throughout summer.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Plant in full sun with well-drained soil for optimal flowering and health.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells 🌱
- Prune back after flowering to promote bushiness
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during active growth
Don't
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don't plant in heavy, poorly-drained soil
- Refrain from fertilizing in late fall
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Firebird Beardtongue questions
What zones can Firebird Beardtongue grow in?
Firebird Beardtongue is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Firebird Beardtongue deer resistant?
Yes — Firebird Beardtongue is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Firebird Beardtongue bloom?
Firebird Beardtongue typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Firebird Beardtongue need full sun?
Firebird Beardtongue does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Firebird Beardtongue drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Firebird Beardtongue handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Penstemon to compare
Foxglove Beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis 'George Home'
Beardtongue Rondo
Penstemon barbatus 'Rondo'
Blackbeard Beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis 'Blackbeard'
Dark Towers Penstemon
Penstemon digitalis 'Dark Towers'
Foxglove Beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis
Red Foxglove Penstemon
Penstemon digitalis 'Arabesque Red'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Firebird Beardtongue with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
