Penstemon barbatus ‘Norgate’s Scarlet’

Very different in growth habit from most Penstemon grown in Australia, P. barbatus makes basal rosettes of glossy fresh green leaves. 100cm tall spires carry from top to bottom hundreds of good- sized, scarlet-red, tubular flowers. Hummingbirds pollinate this denizen of Arizona, Utah, Texas, Colorado and Mexico and Australian honey eaters sup on its nectar too. This plant was first selected by my good friend, the late Dennis Norgate, in the 1950s. It was planted in our dry garden 25 years ago and the original plants flourish to this day, best in a sunny spot where it will make 40cm wide basal rosettes and 100cm tall stems.