Penstemon barbatus 'Coccineus' is one of the best flowers for attracting
hummingbirds
. It's also one of the easiest penstemons to grow from seed. It may bloom the
first year
if started early indoors.
Penstemon barbatus 'Coccineus' blooms throughout the summer with scarlet-red, tubular flowers. The long-stemmed flowers are good for cutting . It looks great in the middle of the border with other perennials and ornamental grasses . It's shown here with Penstemon palmeri and Lychnis chalcedonica .
Sowing Penstemon barbatus 'Coccineus' Seeds
Start penstemon seeds indoors in late winter. Sow on the surface or barely cover the seeds with soil, then refrigerate for 3 weeks. Full sun.