Botanical Name: Penstemon digitalis ‘Red Riding Hood’

Common Name: Beardtongue

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Most Climates (USDA Zones 3–8)

Size: 24–30" Tall × 18–24" Wide

Growth Habit: Upright, Clump-Forming

Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Sun

Soil: Well-Drained Soil; Adaptable to Average Garden Soils

Water Needs: Low to Moderate; Drought Tolerant Once Established

Bloom Season: Late Spring to Early Summer

Fertilizer: Minimal; Avoid Excess Fertility

Features: Deep Rosy-Red Flower Spikes, Clean Green Foliage, Strong Upright Stems, Deer Resistant, Pollinator Friendly

Uses: Perennial Borders, Pollinator Gardens, Mixed Beds, Cottage Gardens, Cut Flower Gardens

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: ✔ Propagation Allowed

More About Penstemon ‘Red Riding Hood’

Penstemon ‘Red Riding Hood’ is grown primarily for its outstanding flower display. Unlike some Beardtongues that rely on colorful foliage for season-long interest, this variety puts the spotlight squarely on its blooms, producing abundant spikes of rich rosy-red flowers that bring vibrant color to the garden in late Spring and early Summer. The blooms are held above neat, clean green foliage on strong, upright stems, creating a bold vertical accent that stands out beautifully among surrounding perennials. The flower color is particularly striking because it fills the gap between softer pinks and deeper reds, making it easy to incorporate into a wide range of garden color schemes.

The foliage remains tidy and compact throughout the season, serving as an attractive backdrop without competing with the flowers for attention. I appreciate how clean and uncluttered the plant looks, especially when combined with ornamental grasses, Salvia, Coreopsis, Nepeta, or other sun-loving perennials. ‘Red Riding Hood’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, where it develops the strongest stems and heaviest bloom production. Once established, it tolerates heat and short periods of drought with ease, making it a dependable choice for gardeners seeking long-lasting color with minimal maintenance.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

At Garden Delivery, ‘Red Riding Hood’ has consistently impressed us with its flower production and overall garden performance. In our trials, plants produced sturdy flower spikes that remained upright without staking, while the blooms retained their vibrant color throughout the flowering period. We also found the plants to be uniform and reliable from year to year, providing a strong display during a time when many perennial borders are beginning to build momentum for the season ahead.

Another reason we continue to recommend this variety is its value to pollinators. The tubular flowers are highly attractive to bees, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects, bringing constant activity to the garden while adding ecological value to the landscape. I particularly like using ‘Red Riding Hood’ when a planting needs a strong burst of early-season color without overwhelming neighboring plants. For gardeners looking for an easy-care perennial that combines vivid blooms, pollinator appeal, and dependable performance, it remains one of the best red-flowering Penstemon varieties we've grown.

Red Riding Hood vs. Other Penstemons

Red Riding Hood is the most flower-forward Penstemon in this group, delivering strong red blooms that clearly stand out. Compared to Husker Red, it trades foliage drama for bloom intensity and earlier visual impact. Against Rock Candy® Blue and Ruby, Red Riding Hood grows taller and feels less controlled, but it brings more vertical emphasis. The foliage stays clean and supportive rather than ornamental, letting the flowers do the work. It’s a better choice when color is the main goal, not compactness. Gardeners can rely on Red Riding Hood for bold Spring color that immediately pops in the garden.