Photo of Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' flower by Intrinsic Perennial Gardens

Photo by Intrinsic Perennial Gardens

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Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red'

Also Known As

  • Penstemon digitalis 'Husker's Red'
  • Beard Tongue
  • Beardtongue

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 2'-3'
  • W: 1'-2'

planting zones

  • 3a-9b

More Options

Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' plant details

Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with burgundy foliage. In spring white flowers emerge. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red'

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: plantaginaceae
Foliage: deciduous burgundy
Mature size: 1 FT - 2 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: border plant, clumping, cottage garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red'

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A different BeardTongue with maroon foliage and stems! Clumping perennial 2-3' tall and 1-2' wide for sunny areas and average garden soil. Two lipped white tubular flowers atop vertical stems April > June contrast beautifully with the deep colored leaves. Attracts hummers. Low maintenance. 1996 Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year!
The foliage of this hardy perennial creates a dramatic accent when placed among brighter leaved plants. The shiny green leaves have contrasting maroon undersides.
Rosette of large leaves, green with red hints. Tall scapes with white flowers.

By: Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

The leaves are as valuable as the flowers. These bright red leaves show off the 2 to 3" white summer flowers perfectly. Grows to 30" tall and wide. Awards: 1996 Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association.

By: Fantastic Plants

A seed strain of plants with reddish-purple foliage that contrasts nicely with the white flowers. One of the easiest to grow penstemons. Zone 5.
A clumping evergreen or deciduous perennial. Dense clumps of smooth tongue-like leaves which are deep red when young. During Summer slender stems of pale mauve-white foxglove-like flowers are produced.Feed well and remove old flower stalks as necessary to promote flowering.Totally different to the erect Penstemons, except for the flowers.

By: Zephs

Gardening facts about Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' plant

How to Grow Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red'

  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Foliage Color

    • burgundy
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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