Penstemon eatonii
Firecracker penstemon is an upright perennial growing 2 to 3 feet tall, forming a basal rosette of smooth green leaves topped by slender flower stalks. In late winter through spring it bears narrow, scarlet-red tubular flowers held along the stems, providing an early and dependable nectar source that hummingbirds favor. It demands full sun and excellent drainage, thriving on minimal water once established and tolerating heat and lean soils. Use it for bold red color in dry borders, slopes, rock gardens, and desert or low-water native plantings, especially where early-season hummingbird interest is desired.