Penstemon 'Rubicundus'

Description and Characteristics

Penstemon 'Rubicundus' is a vigorous, long-flowering herbaceous perennial known for its bright, ruby-red tubular flowers that add vivid colour and movement to summer borders. With an upright, branching habit and elegant bell-shaped blooms, this cultivar offers classic cottage garden appeal and thrives with minimal fuss in well-drained, sunny sites.

Its flowers, borne on tall spikes, are tubular with slightly flared lips and may have a paler interior or faint markings, which serve as nectar guides for pollinators. The lush, lance-shaped foliage forms a tidy clump at the base, from which flowering stems rise to 60–90 cm tall, making it ideal for mid-border placement or for adding vertical interest among more compact perennials.

‘Rubicundus’ is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, and will bloom continuously from June to October, especially when regularly deadheaded. It is also an excellent cut flower, bringing bold colour and a touch of wild beauty into the home.

• Upright perennial with ruby-red trumpet-shaped flowers

• Flowering period: June to October

• Height: 60–90 cm; Spread: 30–45 cm

• Excellent for borders, pollinator gardens, and cutting gardens

• Loved by bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects

• Classic addition to cottage garden schemes

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Penstemon 'Rubicundus' is easy to grow and maintain in sunny, well-drained conditions. It is relatively drought-tolerant once established and benefits from occasional pruning and feeding to maintain vigour and extend blooming.

• Light Requirements:

  • Performs best in full sun

  • Tolerates partial shade, though flowering may be slightly reduced

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil

  • Tolerates loam, chalk, or sandy soils

  • Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged ground

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during establishment

  • Once established, tolerates dry spells well

  • In prolonged drought, a weekly deep watering may help maintain blooming

• Feeding:

  • Apply a general-purpose fertiliser in spring

  • A light liquid feed in midsummer can encourage more flowering

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Deadhead spent flower spikes regularly to encourage new blooms

  • In early spring, cut back to a low framework (10–15 cm above ground) to promote fresh growth

  • Mid-season trimming can refresh tired plants

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 6–9 (RHS H4–H5)

  • In colder areas, mulch around the base to protect roots over winter

  • Avoid cutting back too early in autumn—let stems stand through winter to protect crowns

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Benefits

Penstemon 'Rubicundus' brings bold colour, vertical structure, and pollinator appeal to a wide range of planting styles. It’s a reliable perennial for wildlife gardens, traditional borders, and cut flower beds.

• Design Uses:

  • Ideal for mixed perennial borders, cottage gardens, and wildlife schemes

  • Adds upright interest and colour between shrubs and compact perennials

  • Suitable for cutting gardens and repetitive planting

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with Salvia nemorosa, Rudbeckia, Echinacea, Nepeta, and Achillea

  • Complements lavender, ornamental grasses, or sedum

  • Great alongside other Penstemon varieties for a tiered colour effect

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Tubular flowers are ideal for bees, bumblebees, and hoverflies

  • Provides continuous nectar through the summer and early autumn

  • Essential for pollinator pathways and organic garden designs

• Cut Flower Use:

  • Long, upright stems are great for fresh arrangements

  • Harvest when 1/3 of the flowers on the spike are open

  • Strip lower foliage to prevent it rotting in water

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally resistant to pests and diseases

  • May occasionally be affected by aphids or slugs—monitor in spring

  • Ensure good airflow and avoid waterlogging to prevent crown rot

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.