PLANT OF THE WEEK – Penstemon pinifolius (western pine-leafed penstemon). USDA Zone 5a (-15º to -20ºF) Scrophulariaceae
I love this penstemon for its small needle-like leaves and masses of flared, trumpet-like, 1″ long brilliant orange/red flowers in late spring and early summer. Forms 2-foot-wide mounding clumps and is one of the longest lived perennial, evergreen penstemons. Full sun, well drained soil with occasional water in summer. Great in rock gardens or on slopes (pictured in a raised bed along my Harborton Hill driveway).  Cut back hard in early spring. Hummingbirds adore this penstemon!

PS- isn’t it nice against the dark burgundy foliage of Euphorbia polychroma ‘Bonfire’ (another Hyland Garden Design favorite).

Other flower colors:

Penstemon pinifolius ‘Mersea Yellow’ Zone 5a – soft yellow flowers

Penstemon pinifolius ‘Melon’ Zone 5a – lovely light melon colored flowers