Product Description
Penstemon 'Midnight Masquerade' PP29603 CPBR6262 (25) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: Beardtongue, Penstemon
This Penstemon will help fill the gap in your lineup for a taller, attractive foliage option. 'Midnight Masquerade' produces a sturdy clump of deep burgundy purple leaves. The dark color of the foliage is most pronounced in direct UV sunlight. This variety's dark foliage can be enjoyed all season, but in bloom, the overall effect is stunning.
Rich lavender purple flowers have pure white interiors and are produced on dark stems just above the foliage. An improvement on other varieties, this superior selection boasts a fuller, more refined habit, more vibrant flower color, and a more consistent, floriferous flowering performance. A must-have addition to the sun perennial garden!
Like all of our Penstemons, this one takes the heat and humidity in stride but is also very cold hardy. It continues to provide terrific color in the landscape all season long.
Penstemons are very drought tolerant perennials that are easy to grow and are rarely bothered by insects or diseases. Plant them in full sun and watch as hummingbirds feast on their delicious nectar.
Penstemons should be grown in full sun and very well-drained soil to avoid root rot. Soil fertility need only be average, but a light mulch in winter is recommended. Use Penstemons in the border, for naturalizing, and for cut flowers.
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden Top Performer -- 2020
Height: 36.0-40.0 Inches
Spread: 28.0-32.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Pink shades
Foliage Color: Near-black shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early Summer
Attracts Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Attractive Foliage, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant, Native to North America
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!
