Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Rose Rhinestones Penstemon: Rose Spikes for Hummingbirds
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Rose Rhinestones penstemon is a compact bearded penstemon, or beardtongue, with slender, strictly upright stems lined with narrow tubular flowers in deep rose pink. The color runs darker and redder than most pink types, and each flower has a light pink throat with fine reddish veining. Hummingbirds find it quickly.
Rose Rhinestones at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Penstemon barbatus 'Rose Rhinestones' |
| Flowers | Deep rose pink tubes, about an inch long, with light pink throats |
| Foliage | Dark blue-green, lance-shaped |
| Size | 14 to 16 inches tall, 20 to 24 inches wide |
| Bloom | Late May into June for about four weeks; light repeat if cut back |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 4 to 8 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Wildlife | Great for pollinators; frequent hummingbird visits |
A matched pollinator planting
Penstemon and lavender want the same things: full sun, sharp drainage and no wet feet in winter. Rose Rhinestones blooms from late May into June, overlapping with the first lavender flowers, so a mixed planting offers both bees and hummingbirds a long run of food. The deep rose spikes and purple lavender also make a rich, warm color pairing.
At 14 to 16 inches, it sits comfortably in front of taller lavender or between plants of a similar size. Its dark blue-green leaves hold up all season and look good with lavender's silver foliage. Sketch it out in the Companion Plant Planner.
Planting and care
- Site: full sun in well-drained soil. Heavy, wet ground is the main way penstemons are lost.
- Water: regularly the first season; afterward it handles drought and heat well.
- Airflow: humidity plus wet soil leads to crown rot, so give plants space.
- After bloom: cut the flower stalks down to the leafy base to tidy the plant and encourage a smaller late-summer bloom.
- Pests: few beyond occasional aphids and spider mites.
Winter in Michigan
Rose Rhinestones is very cold hardy when the soil drains well. Leave the low basal foliage in place over winter and avoid heavy mulch over the crown. If your lavender comes through winter, this penstemon should too, since both fail for the same reason: wet soil.
About the plug tray
It is offered as a full 72-cell plug tray, a good fit for pollinator beds and for growers potting up their own plants. See the product page for current availability, or the Wholesale Hub for more trays.
Frequently asked questions
Will it grow in a container?
Yes. Use a gritty, fast-draining mix and a pot with a drainage hole, and let it dry between waterings.
Does it need deadheading?
Not strictly, but cutting the spent spikes keeps it tidy and brings a modest repeat bloom.
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