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Scarlet Bugler

Penstemon centranthifolius

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1 gallon

Scarlet Bugler

Out of stock

2-4'x1'

Sizes:

Scarlet Bugler – Penstemon centranthifolius
Also known as: Scarlet Penstemon; Red Penstemon

A striking desert perennial, Scarlet Bugler is known for its stunning red tubular flowers that drive hummingbirds wild. This upright species forms a low mound of basal foliage 1 to 2 feet tall, from which flower stalks rise to 4 feet in height. Each spike is adorned with numerous 1–2 inch scarlet to vermilion flowers that create a vivid display.

P. centranthifolius is native to dry slopes and chaparral in the Mojave Desert, Anza-Borrego Desert, and the foothills of the Coachella Valley up to 6,500 feet. In higher elevations, it blooms April through July, but in the low desert it flowers earlier—beginning in late winter through early spring. The thick, waxy, gray-green leaves help it tolerate drought and sun.

It thrives in full sun in cooler desert climates but prefers filtered sun in the Coachella Valley. While it prefers well-draining soils, it can tolerate clay when planted with care. Very cold tolerant—down to 15°F.

Excellent for rock gardens, pollinator gardens, and naturalistic dry landscapes, this plant not only adds vivid color but supports native pollinators and birds throughout its long blooming season.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: Variable Checkerspot (Euphydryas chalcedona)
Nectar Source: Sphinx Moths; Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
Bird Resources: Insects; Caterpillars; Seeds; Nectar
Bird Species: Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna); Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae); White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys)
Bees: Honey Bees; Native Bees

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native; Mojave Desert

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Sun; Filtered Sun

Mature size:

2-4'x1'

Growth rate:

Moderate

Flower color:

Red

Flower season:

Spring; Summer

Pruning:

None. May remove spent stalks after blooming or leave for wildlife and reseeding

Cold Hardiness:

15 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Yes

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.