Product Description
Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' (4) 1-gallons
Common Name: Beardtongue (because sterile stamen has a tuft of small hairs).
Zones 3 to 8.
Full sun.
Plants reach 30 to 34 inches tall and 15 to 18 inches wide.
Growth rate: Moderate, erect herbaceous clump-forming perennial.
Maroon-red foliage with a dark green underlay distinguishes this Penstemon from the other cultivars. White flowers with a tinge of light pink are borne on strong, upright stems in early summer.
1996 Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year
Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' is a beloved perennial known for its striking foliage and elegant white flowers. It is a versatile plant that adds vertical interest and attracts pollinators to gardens with its long-lasting blooms. Here is a closer look at what makes 'Husker Red' so special:
- Dramatic Foliage: 'Husker Red' emerges in spring with deep maroon-red foliage that gradually matures to a dark green with maroon undersides as the season progresses. This dramatic foliage provides a beautiful contrast to the flowers and adds interest to the garden even when not in bloom.
- Elegant White Flowers: In early summer, tall, strong stems rise above the foliage, bearing panicles of bell-shaped, white flowers, sometimes with a hint of light pink. The flowers are attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators.
- Upright Habit: This penstemon typically grows 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide, forming an upright, clump-forming perennial. Its strong stems hold the flowers upright, even in windy conditions.
- Adaptable and Hardy: 'Husker Red' thrives in a variety of conditions and is hardy in USDA zones 3-8. It tolerates heat, humidity, and even some drought, making it a reliable choice for different climates.
- Low Maintenance: This cultivar is relatively low-maintenance and does not require deadheading. It is also deer and rabbit resistant.
Growing Tips:
- Sunlight: Plant in full sun for the best foliage color and flowering. It can tolerate some light shade, but the foliage may be less vibrant.
- Soil: Prefers well-drained soil but is adaptable to various soil types, including clay soils. Avoid overly wet or poorly drained conditions, which can lead to root rot.
- Water: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, it has good drought tolerance.
- Maintenance: Remove spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming and maintain a tidy appearance. You can also cut back the plant in late fall or early spring to tidy it up for the winter.
Design Ideas:
- Borders: Plant in groups or drifts to create a bold statement in borders and flower beds.
- Containers: Its upright habit makes it a good choice for container gardening, adding height and drama to patios and decks.
- Meadow Gardens: Combine with other native wildflowers and grasses for a naturalized look.
- Rain Gardens: Its tolerance for occasional flooding makes it suitable for rain gardens.
- Cut Flowers: The long-lasting blooms make excellent cut flowers for bouquets.
Penstemons are very drought tolerant perennials that are easy to grow in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil. Root rot can occur in wet, poorly drained soils. Soil fertility need only be average, but a light mulch in winter is recommended. Rarely bothered by insects or diseases.
When planted in mass, Penstemons make a tremendous color statement attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Attributes: flower borders, cut flowers and foliage, drought tolerant, mass plantings, salt tolerant and easy to grow.
(4) 1-gallon containers ready to plant, plants may be trimmed for shipping,
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
