What's the website on the label? You usually need the genus and species to tell exactly what kind of flower it is and whether it will survive the winter. Some penstemons will flower the first season others won't.

Thanks--the "brand" on the label is Blooms of Bressingham, and their website (not actually on the label, I just found it) and the label only call it Beard Tongue "Ruby" Penstemon Hybrid. That's the website that says they're only hardy in 9-10, but I'm hoping it's wrong!

Sarah

I have a similar penstemon that is perennial in zone 5. Hybrid seeds usually don't come exactly true to colour of the parent. I don't think this variety will be winter hardy though.

The hardy species I have is from Thompson&Morgan Penstemon barbatus Iron Maiden. It's taller and hardy to zone 4.

http://www.tmseeds.com/product/2166.html

Here is a link that might be useful: Blooms of Bressingham Ruby Penstemon

Penstemon barbatus ssp. coccineus is perfectly hardy in zone 2b.

Here is a link that might be useful: P. barbatus coccineus