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Hardy perennial
Plantaginaceae
Perennials
Penstemon ‘Red Riding Hood’
Beardtongue
Penstemon 'Red Riding Hood': 75 cm high and 60 cm spread, full sun exposure. Red, scarlet flowers in June-September. Zone 5; choose a soil compatible with its moisture needs.
- Exposure
- Sun
- Life cycle
- Hardy perennial
- Hardiness
- Zone 5
Discover the plant
Common namePenstemon ‘Red Riding Hood’
FamilyPlantaginaceae
GenusBeardtongue
CultivarLittle Red Riding Hood
TypeHardy perennial
Botanical nameBeardtongue
‘Red Riding Hood’ penstemon (Penstemon ‘Red Riding Hood’) brings a palette of red and scarlet to the garden. The foliage features shades of green, which can be highlighted among different textures. The usual flowering period is June-September. Its size of 75 cm by 60 cm reserves it a place in the middle of a flowerbed and in group plantings, without forgetting the space for its neighbors.
In terms of cultivation, ‘Red Riding Hood’ penstemon appreciates full sun exposure; the recommended soil is well-drained garden soil, maintaining moderate humidity during establishment. Support the rooting of ‘Red Riding Hood’ penstemon with deep waterings, then check the moisture before rewatering. Adjust the frequency to rain and heat; avoid small daily waterings on already moist soil. A spacing of approximately 60 cm between centers is a starting point, to be adjusted according to observed vigor. The indicated hardiness level is zone 5, to be assessed according to your garden's conditions.
The maintenance of ‘Red Riding Hood’ penstemon mainly relies on observing the clump: remove spent flower stalks above healthy leaves and monitor the crown's recovery in spring. Drainage protects the base of the penstemon; persistently saturated soil is less suitable for it than aerated soil. For companion planting, consider campanulas, daylilies, and perennial geraniums in varieties with similar needs. By composing around its volume of 75 cm by 60 cm, you will preserve the visibility of its flowering (June-September) and circulation between plants.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Spacing / density
23.62 inches
Best planting time
Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing the roots to settle before the severe cold.
Growing method
Penstemon ‘Red Riding Hood’: Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing the roots to establish before the severe cold. Accompany the rooting of Penstemon ‘Red Riding Hood’ with deep waterings, then check the moisture before watering again. Adjust the frequency to rain and heat; avoid small daily applications on already moist soil. Drainage protects the base of the penstemon; constantly saturated soil is less suitable for it than aerated soil.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Acid; general botanical group indication
Care level
Routine maintenance
Watering
Accompany the rooting of Penstemon 'Red Riding Hood' with deep waterings, then check the moisture before watering again. Adjust the frequency according to rainfall and heat; avoid small daily waterings on soil that is already moist.
Soil type
Drained garden soil, retaining moderate moisture during installation
Fertilization
Fertilizer for flowering
Moisture
Moderate humidity; water according to the actual state of the root ball
Seasonal care
Penstemon 'Red Riding Hood': remove spent flower stalks above healthy leaves and check for new growth from the crown in spring. During its flowering season (June-September), also check for damaged stems and nearby plants that might be obscuring the plant.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
Stable and perforated container, significantly wider than the root ball; size to be adapted to the format sold and the adult development.
To try Penstemon 'Red Riding Hood' in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future size (60 cm). Water should drain freely after each watering; check the root ball more often than if it were planted in the ground. Plan for container protection in winter depending on your climate.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
30 inches (76 cm)
Width / spread
24 inches (61 cm)
Flower color
Red
Foliage color
Green
Growth rate
Fast
Growth habit
Erected
Fragrance
Undocumented for this selection
Bloom period
June-September
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Possible pairings for Penstemon ‘Red Riding Hood’: campanulas, daylilies, hardy geraniums. Choose varieties that tolerate sun and comparable moisture; allow each clump its adult space.
Plants to avoid
Around Penstemon ‘Red Riding Hood’, especially avoid neighbors that would cover its leaves or strongly compete with its root ball. Compatibility of light, water, and spread takes precedence over a list of so-called enemy plants.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
Where to plant Penstemon 'Red Riding Hood'?
Provide sunlight and suitable soil (well-drained garden soil that retains moderate moisture during installation). Drainage protects the penstemon's base; permanently saturated soil is less suitable than aerated soil.
Where should I plant Penstemon 'Red Riding Hood'?
Expect a height of about 75 cm and a width of 60 cm at maturity. Approximately 60 cm between centers, to be adjusted according to the actual development of the clump. This size is suitable for use in the middle of a flowerbed and for group plantings.
When does Penstemon 'Red Riding Hood' bloom?
The indicated period is June-September. The color palette of the flowers is red, scarlet. The exact date and duration depend on the climate, season, and plant's establishment.
How to water and care for Penstemon 'Red Riding Hood'?
Help establish Penstemon ‘Red Riding Hood’ with deep watering, then allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Adjust the frequency according to rainfall and heat; avoid light daily watering if the soil is already moist. Remove spent flower stalks above healthy leaves and watch for new crown growth in the spring.
Can Penstemon ‘Red Riding Hood’ be grown in a pot?
To try Penstemon 'Red Riding Hood' in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future size (60 cm). Water should drain freely after each watering; check the root ball more often than if it were planted in the ground. Plan to protect the container in winter depending on your climate.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
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Flower and Bloom Fertilizer
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