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Bridges's penstemon

Penstemon rostriflorus

Last reviewed: October 2026

Bridges's penstemon (Penstemon rostriflorus) is a perennial forb native to AZ, CA, CO, NM and 2 more states. It blooms in June, July, and August. The flowers draw hummingbirds.

Bridges's penstemon (Penstemon rostriflorus)
Photo: no rights reserved

Toxicity unknown

Bridges's penstemon (Penstemon rostriflorus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–30" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, NM and 2 more states

Pollinators

hummingbirds

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra NevadaSouthern California MountainsCentral Basin and RangeMojave Basin and RangeNorthwestern Forested MountainsNorth American DesertsArizona/New Mexico Mountains

A perennial forb with narrow, gray-green leaves and slender, wiry stems bearing tubular, orange-red flowers with a distinctive beaked lower lip. Grows on dry, rocky slopes and open pine forest at mid to high elevation.

Growing Bridges's penstemon

Grow Bridges's penstemon in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 30 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

How to care for Bridges's penstemon, by region

How to care for Bridges's penstemon where it is actually grown: year-round basics plus what to do each season, region by region, with the sources for each.

Care guidance last updated: October 2026

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Chihuahuan Deserts (includes El Paso, TX)

Year-round

Bridges' penstemon is a red-flowered perennial that likes full sun and very little water once settled in. Our sources come from Utah and California, so watch how it handles El Paso's summer heat in year one.

  • Give it full sun, though part shade works too.
  • Once established it needs very little irrigation.
  • It tolerates a wide range of soils, clay included, so protect drainage.
  • Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
  • Listed as hardy in zones 4 to 10.

Deadhead spent stems so the clump looks tended from the street.

Fall

Fall is quiet. Leave the evergreen foliage in place and keep water light.

  • The plant is semi-evergreen, so green leaves can stay on.
  • Very low irrigation is still enough once established.

Winter

Winter foliage may turn red and bronze, which is normal for this plant.

  • Glossy leaves can take on red and bronze tones in winter.
  • Hold off on cutting dead growth until spring so you can see what survived.
  • It is rated hardy in zones 4 to 10.

Spring

In spring, wait to see what survived winter before you cut anything.

  • Check which parts of the plant came through winter before removing dead growth.
  • Water only occasionally while it is getting established.
  • Keep it in full sun.

Summer

Summer is bloom time, and the plant asks for very little from you.

  • Red tubular flowers start in June to July.
  • Water very little once the plant is established.
  • Snip spent flowers to push out more bloom.

Sources: Jordan Valley Water: Bridges' Penstemon (Penstemon rostriflorus), Cal Flora Nursery: Penstemon rostriflorus

Wildlife value

The narrow, tubular red flowers are adapted specifically for pollination by hummingbirds, which visit throughout the summer bloom period.

Common questions

How much sun does Bridges's penstemon need?
Bridges's penstemon grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Bridges's penstemon bloom?
Bridges's penstemon blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Bridges's penstemon native?
Bridges's penstemon (Penstemon rostriflorus) is native to AZ, CA, CO, NM and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Bridges's penstemon attract?
Bridges's penstemon draws hummingbirds.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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