Click on the image thumbnail to the right to enlarge -›››

Keckiella cordifolia – Scrophulariaceae – ‘Heart-Leaf Penstemon,' ‘Climbing Red Penstemon.' – Flowering in mid summer with spectacular scarlet flowers, this beauty provides Hummingbird food during the hottest part of the year. Somehow drawing just enough moisture during the dry midsummer months in the hot canyons of its native habitat, the fleshy flowers and abundant nectar are a source of wonder. The leaves often have a red tinge as well as red veins, making the overall visual tone one of red and green intensity. A shrub with arching branches, this is sometimes listed as a climber, although it really will only do this with some help from the gardener.

Tolerant of heat, drought, interior sunshine and even deer, this is an excellent plant for challenging garden habitats. In moister or maritime climates, it is important to have well drained soil and good airflow around the plant. Its arching habit lends well to it growing on hillsides, rocks, and retaining walls, where it will spill downward with glee. On level ground, it will sprawl, or it can be trained to grow upward like a rambler rose. It can also be planted where it can intermingle with other shrubs for support. It will grow to 2' tall and 4' wide in the open, but can climb to 6' tall and higher if given support. This is listed as hardy to brief drops of 0°F or less, although the cold tolerance is probably less in humid winter climates.