Firecracker penstemon
Penstemon eatonii
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AZ, UT, NV, NM and 2 more states
Pollinators
hummingbirds, bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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.
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, UT, NV, NM and 2 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Firecracker penstemon fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.