- Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 18 - 20 Inches
- Mature Spread 14 - 16 Inches
- Growing Zones 5 - 9
- Use As A Thriller In Containers
The large cherry-red petals and white throats of the Cherry Sparks Penstemon make this plant a joy to behold when it is in bloom. With a longer flowering time than others, it produces tubular flowers from late spring through the summer on top of its bright green narrow leaves. Growing to less than 2 feet high and wide, this penstemon hybrid remains compact with an upright habit.
Native to North America, this Cherry Sparks Penstemon is adaptable for growing in zones 5 through to 9. It is an easy-to-care-for perennial and is most definitely a ‘thriller’ plant that is also loved by pollinators. Often grown en masse for maximum impact, this penstemon is also suited to growing ad hoc in a border or for use as a cut flower. Being heat tolerant, Cherry Sparks is ideal for planting in a south-facing border.
Cherry Sparks Penstemon Care
For the Cherry Sparks Penstemon to thrive, it requires a sunny spot where it will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. A free-draining soil is a must, as penstemons struggle if grown in soil that is prone to being overly wet. With average to dry watering needs, it can tolerate a hot border, but will require more frequent watering when grown in a container. For the best results, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in spring along with an annual ring of mulch.
Penstemons do not require much pruning. However, as the flowers begin to die back, they can be removed to promote reblooming.
Cherry Sparks Penstemon Spacing
The Cherry Sparks Penstemon grows to around 18 to 20 inches high with a spread of 14 to 16 inches. A spacing of 14 to 18 inches between plants is recommended when planting out a group of this spectacular beardtongue.
Cherry Sparks Penstemon Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 9 |
| Plant Type: Perennial |
| Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 18 - 20 Inches |
| Mature Spread: 14 - 16 Inches |
| Spacing: 14 - 18 Inches |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): Red |
| Flower Description: bright, cherry-red |
| Bloom Period: Spring, Late Spring, Summer, Late Summer |
| Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: |
| Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering |
| Watering: average |
| Resists: Deer |
| Tolerates: Drought |
| Attracts: Bees, Butterflies |
| Container Role: Thriller |
| Uses: Borders, Containers, Mass Planting |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Low Maintenance |
| Brand: Proven Winners |
| Common Name: Cherry Sparks Penstemon |
| Other Name(s): Beard Tongue |
| Scientific Name: Penstemon hybrida |
- SKU:
- PENCS
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations