Penstemon 'Midnight'

Also Known As

Penstemon X gloxinioides 'Midnight'
Midnight Beard Tongue

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 2'-3'
W: 2'-3'

planting zones

6a-10b

More Options

Penstemon 'Midnight' plant details

Penstemon 'Midnight' is a broadleaf evergreen perennial with green foliage. In fall and summer purple flowers emerge. Attracts bees and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something seaside / salt tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Penstemon 'Midnight'

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: plantaginaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: purple blooms in fall and summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Penstemon 'Midnight'

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, seaside / salt and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

If I was allowed only ONE Penstemon…this would have to be the ONE! Big and beautiful, this 3'x3' robust, blooming babe literally bursts with lots and lots of deep purple blooms July > October – A 'Secret Garden Rave' perennial! Easy to grow – Full sun – average soil and water – Deadhead to maximize flowers and cut back hard in spring just before new growth starts.

By: Secret Garden Growers

A vigorous sprawling perennial carrying deep purple foxglove flowers. Deep green lance shaped leaves are symmetrically arranged on long stems. Give space to root into the ground. Flowers throughout the warmer months. Try not to disturb the roots.

By: Zephs

Dark blue-purple tubular flowers over a long season are excellent in the border. Cut back spent flowers to encourage new blooms. 2 x 2 ft

By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

Upright perennial from 2-3' with dark green leaves and erect racemes of dark purple flowers, blooming from spring to late fall. The Gardener's Guide to Growing Penstemons suggests that 'Midnight' cannot be positively distinguished from 'Russian River'. Whatever the eventual outcome of this nomenclature confusion, 'Midnight' is a striking selection with perhaps the darkest flowers of all the Penstemons. Requires full sun and excellent drainage.

By: Native Sons

Penstemon ‘Midnight’ is another exception to the notion that border penstemons are shortlived. Ten years ago I planted several penstemons in my garden, & most of them died after a couple of glorious years. ‘Midnight & ‘Thorn are still strong, good-looking plants. ‘Midnight’ grows to 3’ x 3’. The flowers are deep purple, & if deadheaded they are produced from late Spring through Fall. They are very popular with bees & hummingbirds. The leaves & stems are a deep blue-purplish green & to maintain a healthy compact plant, the stems should be cut back hard in the winter. ‘Midnight’ is otherwise an easy plant to grow & while looking better with some water, it takes drought on the coast. Cut back to 6” whenever it seems to need encouragement for another round of blooms.