How much sun does Firecracker penstemon need?

Firecracker penstemon grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Firecracker penstemon bloom?

Firecracker penstemon blooms in March, April, May, and June.

Where is Firecracker penstemon native?

Firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 4 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Firecracker penstemon attract?

Firecracker penstemon draws hummingbirds and bees.

Is Firecracker penstemon HOA-friendly?

Firecracker penstemon is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Firecracker penstemon

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Penstemon eatonii

Last reviewed: August 2026

Firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii) is a perennial forb native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 4 more states. It blooms in March, April, May, and June. The flowers draw hummingbirds and bees. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.

Toxicity unknown

Firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii) 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"–36" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 4 more states

Pollinators

hummingbirds, bees

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range

An evergreen perennial forb forming a basal rosette of gray-green leaves with tall, upright spikes of tubular red flowers in spring. Extremely drought tolerant once established, it performs best in lean, fast-draining soil and full sun, making it a striking vertical accent in a xeric border.

Growing Firecracker penstemon

Grow Firecracker penstemon in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Firecracker penstemon is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

Its tubular red flowers are a strong early-season nectar source for hummingbirds and bees.

Common questions

How much sun does Firecracker penstemon need?: Firecracker penstemon grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Firecracker penstemon bloom?: Firecracker penstemon blooms in March, April, May, and June.
Where is Firecracker penstemon native?: Firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 4 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Firecracker penstemon attract?: Firecracker penstemon draws hummingbirds and bees.
Is Firecracker penstemon HOA-friendly?: Firecracker penstemon is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Firecracker penstemon? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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