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Firecracker Penstemon

Penstemon eatoni

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1 gallon

Firecracker Penstemon

Out of stock

2'x3'

Sizes:

Eaton’s Firecracker – Penstemon eatonii
Also known as: Firecracker Penstemon

Eaton’s Firecracker is a vibrant, clump-forming perennial native to the western United States, including parts of California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and the Rocky Mountain region. In California, it is typically found in higher elevation deserts and plateau areas, but it also performs well in low desert gardens like those in the Colorado Desert with the right conditions.

In the low desert, Penstemon eatonii blooms from late winter into early spring, sending up dramatic flower spikes of scarlet-red tubular blossoms that are especially attractive to hummingbirds. The glossy green leaves form a tidy rosette and may turn duller during drought but remain evergreen in milder conditions. This species thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, though it benefits from afternoon shade in the hottest zones to prevent heat stress.

Often short-lived, this firecracker penstemon reseeds lightly, making it a great addition to wildlife habitat gardens or wildflower borders. Its bold bloom color complements native yellows and blues, creating striking seasonal combinations.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: sphinx moths and hummingbirds
Bird Resources: Insects; Caterpillars; Seeds; Nectar
Bird Species: Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna); Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae); Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata)
Bees: Native bees; Honey bees

Plant Care

Native region:

Sonoran Desert; Mojave Desert

Water needs:

Low - Moderate

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

2'x3'

Growth rate:

Moderate

Flower color:

Red

Flower season:

Spring

Pruning:

Cut back spent stems

Cold Hardiness:

18 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Yes

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.