Penstemon barbatus 'Rose Rhinestones'

Rose Rhinestones penstemon from the Bejeweled series brings sparkle to your garden with large, deep rose-pink tubular flowers that absolutely dazzle hummingbirds. This 2024 introduction features bigger blooms and darker, redder color than other pink penstemons, all held on strong stems above handsome lance-shaped blue-green foliage that looks sharp all season long. Growing 14 to 16 inches tall and spreading 20 to 24 inches wide, this compact southwestern native blooms its heart out from late spring into early summer and takes heat, humidity, and drought in stride once established. Hardy in zones 4 through 8, it's one tough perennial that's rarely bothered by pests or diseases and shrugs off deer browsing completely.

Plant Rose Rhinestones in full sun with very well-drained soil—good drainage is absolutely critical to prevent root rot, especially during winter. This native of the rocky mesas and mountains of the Southwest thrives in average soil and doesn't need pampering or heavy feeding. Use it at the front of borders where you can watch hummingbirds work those tubular flowers, mass it for serious impact, tuck it into rock gardens, or cut those strong stems for bouquets. The dense, mounding habit pairs beautifully with achillea, sedum, or baptisia for stunning color combinations. Apply a light winter mulch and give it a trim in spring, and you're done—this is one easy-care perennial that delivers big results for minimal effort.

In case you find yourself in garden trivia: the common name "beardtongue" comes from the fuzzy staminode (sterile stamen) that sticks out from the flower throat like a little tongue. Native Americans and early settlers used various penstemon species medicinally, though today we grow them purely for their ornamental value and their unmatched ability to attract hummingbirds and native bees to the garden.

Photo Credit: Walters Gardens

General care for any tree or shrub is easy, but like any living thing will require your attention. Please educate yourself and follow these simple rules.

Penstemon barbatus 'Rose Rhinestones'

Easy to grow in almost any climate, saliva is a tough drought resistant plant. During the bloom period it does benefit from additional water and will perform better if watered regularly from spring into mid-summer. Deadheading the plants will encourage new blooms to come on. You can cut them all the way back to the newest foliage at the base of the plant if they become leggy, if cut back the plants may also rebloom, but usually the flowers won't be as voluminous as the first bloom. This is a great plant for beginning gardeners.