Sign In 
Get Premium Scarlet Bugler
(Penstemon centranthifolius)
Scarlet Bugler (Penstemon centranthifolius)
/
/
Tom Hilton
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Tom Hilton
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Tom Hilton | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Tom Hilton | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements for Logan City, Australia
| This Plant | Your Site | Plant Suitability for Your Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| • Precipitation | 3" - 47" | 49" | Aquatic | Aquatic |
| • High Temp. | 73°F - 110°F | 86°F | Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. | Excellent |
| • Low Temp. | 19°F - 47°F | 47°F | Your winter temperatures are normal for this plant | Excellent |
This plant may not grow well at your location - your precipitation is too high.
Summary
Penstemon centranthifolius, commonly known as Scarlet Bugler, is a perennial herb native to the chaparral, oak woodlands, and coastal sage scrub of California, as well as northern Baja California in Mexico. It thrives in these dry habitats, often on slopes and in canyons, where it contributes to the region’s biodiversity. This species can reach over one meter in height and is characterized by its many straight, hairless, erect branches. The Scarlet Bugler is particularly noted for its long inflorescence, which bears narrow tubular flowers up to 3 centimeters long. These flowers are a striking bright red to orange-red and are hairless, including the staminode, making them highly attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators during their blooming season from late spring to early summer.
The Scarlet Bugler is valued in cultivation for its vibrant flowers and drought tolerance, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping, native plant gardens, and as a border plant in dry garden settings. It requires full sun and minimal water once established, preferring well-drained soils. While generally low maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. Gardeners often propagate Penstemon centranthifolius from seed or cuttings to maintain its striking appearance and to attract wildlife to their gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Scarlet Bugler is valued in cultivation for its vibrant flowers and drought tolerance, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping, native plant gardens, and as a border plant in dry garden settings. It requires full sun and minimal water once established, preferring well-drained soils. While generally low maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. Gardeners often propagate Penstemon centranthifolius from seed or cuttings to maintain its striking appearance and to attract wildlife to their gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Subshrub, Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 1-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Red
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to chaparral, oak woodlands, and coastal sage scrub of California, and northern Baja California in Mexico
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: Penstemon centranthifolius, Chelone centranthifolia, Chelone cheilanthifolia
GBIF Accepted Name: Penstemon centranthifolius Benth.