Scarlet Queen Penstemon Care

Location

• Scarlet Queen thrives in hot conditions, preferring a bright, full sun location in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 9 or 10. The plant may be grown as an annual in cooler climates. Scarlet Queen can handle brief durations with temperatures as low as 15 degrees. Place in a south-, east- or west-facing area to maximize the amount of sun the plant receives. Alhough tolerant of partial or filtered shade, flowering will be reduced in shady locations and the plant may become somewhat sparse and spindly.

Soil

• Like other penstemon cultivars, Scarlet Queen thrives in a well-draining, gravelly or sandy soil. The plant will grow in a range of pH levels as long as the soil has good drainage. It prefers conditions that are on the dry side rather than the wet side, so water only as needed throughout the growing season. Fertilizing is not usually necessary. Pick off spent flowers to keep the plant from wasting energy and going to seed.

Problems

• Scarlet Queen penstemon is largely pest and disease free, especially if grown in a proper cultural conditions. The plant is susceptible to pests such as slugs and snails, as well as glasshouse red spider mites and leaf and bud eelworms. Discourage pests by keeping the area around the plant clean: remove any nearby plant debris as this can shelter insects. Pick off and destroy infested leaves.

Considerations

• Penstemon is highly attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, making it an ideal addition to a wildlife-oriented rock garden. Deer generally avoid grazing on it. This low-maintenance plant requires very little care to thrive and is better off neglected than coddled. Scarlet Queen may be propagated by seeds sown in the winter or by softwood cuttings rooted in moist soil. The plant can also be divided in spring or fall.