Scrophularia macrantha, a very rare Penstemon relative known as Redbirds in a Tree, is a garden treasure, blooming from early summer through fall with long wands of white-lipped, cherry-red flowers. The dark green, angular foliage is quite handsome, and with a tall, informal habit, Redbirds in a Tree will lean over and intertwine with tall neighboring plants for support.
Unike other species of Scrophularia which are insect pollinated, Redbirds in a Tree is pollinated by hummingbirds.
Panayoti Kelaidis of the Denver Botanic Gardens found and collected the seed on the pine-covered slopes of Cookes Peak, near Deming, NM. The summit rises to over 8,400 feet, towering over a panoramic view of the vast Chihuahuan desert. From this high altitude habitat, Redbirds in a Tree was brought into cultivation, and given its common name by our very own founder, David Salman.
1998 Green Thumb Award Winner + 2008 Plant Select Winner.