Scarlet Keckiella
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(Keckiella ternata)
Scarlet Keckiella (Keckiella ternata)
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Madeleine Claire
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Madeleine Claire
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Madeleine Claire | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Madeleine Claire | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2023-09-04T09:35:32-07:00 |
Summary
Keckiella ternata, commonly known as Scarlet Keckiella, is a semi-deciduous shrub native to the chaparral and oak woodlands of southern California and Baja California. It can often exceed 6.5 feet in height and is characterized by its wand-like, waxy branches and whorls of three or pairs of oppositely arranged leaves, each up to 2.4 inches long. The Scarlet Keckiella is particularly admired for its vibrant red tubular flowers, which are up to 1.2 inches long and bloom from late spring to early summer, attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators.
In cultivation, Scarlet Keckiella is valued for its showy blooms and adaptability to various local habitats, making it a versatile choice for native plant gardens, wildlife gardens, and as a natural hedge. It is drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal water, and thrives in well-drained soils under full sun to partial shade conditions. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can benefit from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote denser foliage. Gardeners should be aware that it may require protection from frost in colder climates.CC BY-SA 4.0
In cultivation, Scarlet Keckiella is valued for its showy blooms and adaptability to various local habitats, making it a versatile choice for native plant gardens, wildlife gardens, and as a natural hedge. It is drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal water, and thrives in well-drained soils under full sun to partial shade conditions. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can benefit from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote denser foliage. Gardeners should be aware that it may require protection from frost in colder climates.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 1.5-3 feet
- Width: 1.5-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Chaparral and oak woodlands
Other Names
Common Names: Blue-Stemmed Keckiella, Whorledleaf Penstemon, Blue-Stem Keckiella
Scientific Names: Keckiella ternata, Keckia ternata, Keckiella ternata subsp. ternata, Penstemon ternatus, Penstemon ternatus, Penstemon ternatus subsp. typicus
GBIF Accepted Name: Keckiella ternata