Hill Country Penstemon (Penstemon triflorus)
Description: Penstemon triflorus is 1 1/2-2 ft. tall. Its brilliant red flowers, 2 in. long, are among the most showy of the genus. Pairs of dark-green leaves occur opposite each other along the stem. The two-lipped flowers also occur in pairs. Small bushy stature, intense red color, and largeness of flowers set this penstemon apart from others.
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Synonym(s): Hill Country beardtongue, Scarlet penstemon, Scarlet beardtongue, Heller’s penstemon, Heller’s beardtongue
USDA Symbol: PETR2
Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Color: Red
Bloom Time: Apr, May
Water Use: Low
Light Requirements: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Bloom Notes: Hill Country penstemon is a striking prairie or garden plant and is another fabulous cut flower. Provides nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds. Cut back the old seed stalks or allow them to reseed. Hybridizes with the closely related Penstemon cobaea. Small bushy stature, intense red color, and largeness of flowers set this Penstemon apart from others.
ATTRIBUTION: All of the Texas Wildflower images in this post are copyrighted and are the exclusive property of Terry B. Kahler. Reproduction without explicit written consent is prohibited. Some of the information contained in this section was taken from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center website and is being used under their terms of use. Redistribution from this site is prohibited. Additional information contained in this section was taken from the USDA website including the USDA code.
