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 all about flower color. Where some penstemons lean subtle, this one delivers strong, rosy-red blooms that stand out clearly in the garden. The flowers rise above clean green foliage on sturdy stems, creating a bold vertical accent in late spring when many perennials are just getting started.

Unlike foliage-forward varieties like ‘Husker Red’, Red Riding Hood puts most of its energy into flowering. The foliage stays tidy and supportive without competing for attention, which makes this variety easy to place alongside other perennials. It brings color without clutter, something I really appreciate when building layered borders.

Red Riding Hood prefers full sun and well-drained soil and doesn’t ask for much once it’s established. It handles heat and short dry spells well and performs reliably without heavy feeding. Good drainage is the key to long-term success, especially in heavier soils.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

At Garden Delivery, Penstemon ‘Red Riding Hood’ has proven to be a strong and dependable bloomer. In our trials, it produced consistent flower spikes with good stem strength and didn’t require staking. The color held well through the bloom period without fading out too quickly.

We also like how effective it is for pollinators. Bees and hummingbirds consistently visit the flowers, adding movement and life to the planting. For gardeners who want bold early-season color without complicated care, Red Riding Hood is an easy recommendation.

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.