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
Calling out for attention, the Penstemon 'Midnight Masquerade' (Beardtongue) is a clump-forming perennial boasting a spectacular display of rich lavender-purple flowers. This award-winning plant features deep burgundy-purple foliage and striking lavender-purple flowers with pristine white interiors. In this article, we will explore the characteristics, care requirements, and growth habits of this stunning plant.
Characteristics Penstemon 'Midnight Masquerade' is a compact, hardy, upright, herbaceous perennial that blooms from late spring to mid-summer. It typically grows to be 3 to 3.25 feet tall and 2.75 to 3 feet wide. The plant features glossy, burgundy foliage and purple-pink, tubular flowers that are held in 12-inch-long, terminal panicles on sturdy, upright, dark red flowering stalks. The flowers have pure white interiors and are produced on dark stems just above the foliage. The dark stems contrast beautifully against the richly colored leaves, making them a standout plant in any landscape. This beardtongue selection is noted for its fuller, more refined habit, more vibrant flower color, and its more consistent, floriferous flowering performance. It was awarded Top Performer in 2020 by the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Trial Gardens. In addition to its landscape value, 'Midnight Masquerade' is also suitable for use as a cut flower in floral arrangements.
This Penstemon is a favorite of pollinators, attracting scores of hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees to the garden. The name "beardtongue" comes from the fifth, sterile stamen (staminode) that characterizes members of this genus. The staminode can be hairy, giving the flower the appearance of a tongue with a beard.
Care Requirements Penstemon 'Midnight Masquerade' is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It prefers dry to medium moisture levels. While it has some tolerance for drought, summer heat, and humidity, it is important to avoid wet, poorly-drained soils. It will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application.
Planting
- Timing: Plant in spring or early fall to allow the plant time to establish before extreme weather conditions. Avoid planting in the peak of summer heat.
- Location: Choose a location that receives full sun, as 'Midnight Masquerade' requires at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. It thrives in locations with good air circulation and plenty of sunlight.
- Soil Preparation: This perennial prefers dry to average, well-drained soil. Amend heavy clay or sandy soils with compost to improve drainage and fertility. Ensure the planting site does not collect standing water.
- Planting: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth. Gently remove the plant from its container, loosen the roots, and place it in the hole. Backfill with soil, pressing down gently to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.
General Care
- Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during the first growing season. Once established, 'Midnight Masquerade' is drought tolerant and requires occasional watering, more frequently in extreme heat or if planted in containers.
- Mulching: Apply a light layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature. Avoid piling mulch against the stem to prevent rot.
- Fertilizing: Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage at the expense of blooms.
- Pruning: After the first flush of blooms, deadhead spent flowers to encourage a second bloom. In late fall or early spring, cut back the foliage to ground level to tidy up the plant and promote healthy, vigorous growth in the spring.
- Winter Care: In colder zones, apply a thicker layer of mulch after the first frost to protect the roots over the winter. Remove the mulch in early spring to allow new growth to emerge.
- Pest and Disease Management: 'Midnight Masquerade' is relatively disease and pest-resistant. However, watch for signs of stress or damage and treat accordingly with organic or recommended products. Keep an eye out for aphids, thrips, and spider mites. Crown and root rots may occur without proper drainage.
Growth Habits Penstemon 'Midnight Masquerade' is a clump-forming perennial. It has an upright spreading habit of growth. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter and will regrow from the base each spring. It is perfect for borders and for naturalizing in the landscape.
Late Season Interest While the main bloom period for 'Midnight Masquerade' is in early to mid-summer, the plant continues to offer visual interest into the fall. Burgundy seed pods develop after the flowers fade, adding a touch of autumnal color to the garden. These seed pods also provide a valuable food source for birds during the fall and winter months.
Origins and Parentage Penstemon 'Midnight Masquerade' is a hybrid of two North American native Penstemon species: Penstemon digitalis and Penstemon calycosus. Penstemon digitalis, commonly called foxglove beardtongue, typically grows 3 to 5 feet tall and is found in prairies, fields, wood margins, open woods, and along railroad tracks.
Companion Plants Penstemon 'Midnight Masquerade' pairs well with a variety of other plants. The table below provides a list of suitable companion plants and their potential benefits or reasons for pairing them with 'Midnight Masquerade'.
| Companion Plant | Description/Benefits |
| Echinacea | Provides contrasting flower color and texture. |
| Salvia | Complements the color scheme and attracts pollinators. |
| Rudbeckia | Adds a bold splash of color and extends the bloom season. |
| Grasses | Creates a naturalistic look and provides textural contrast. |
| Hemerocallis (Daylilies) | Offers a variety of flower colors and forms. |
| Nepeta racemosa (Catmint) | Attracts pollinators and provides a soft, contrasting texture. |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Adds late-season interest and drought tolerance. |
| Achillea (Yarrow) | Provides a variety of flower colors and attracts beneficial insects. |
| Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) | Complements the color scheme and adds fragrance. |
| Rosa (Rose) | Creates a classic cottage garden look. |
| Salvia (Sage) | Offers a variety of flower colors and attracts pollinators. |
| Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan) | Adds a cheerful touch and attracts pollinators. |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Provides long-lasting color and drought tolerance. |
| Agastache 'Mango Tango' | Offers a vibrant color contrast and attracts pollinators. |
| Nepeta 'Cat's Meow' | Provides a compact and long-blooming companion. |
| Perovskia 'Denim 'n Lace' | Adds airy texture and a cool color contrast. |
| Veronica 'Lavender Lightsaber' | Complements the color scheme and attracts pollinators. |
| Brunnera macrophylla | Offers attractive foliage and shade tolerance. |
| Heuchera hybrid | Provides a variety of foliage colors and textures. |
| Heucherella hybrid | Combines the best of Heuchera and Tiarella. |
| Pennisetum alopecuroides | Adds graceful texture and movement. |
Penstemon 'Midnight Masquerade' is a standout perennial with its unique combination of dark foliage and vibrant flowers. This easy-to-grow, drought-tolerant plant is a versatile addition to any garden, whether used in borders, mass plantings, or as a cut flower. Its ability to attract pollinators like hummingbirds and bees makes it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to support local ecosystems. While there can be occasional issues with flopping or foliage color changes, the overall positive feedback from gardeners suggests that 'Midnight Masquerade' is a reliable and rewarding plant to grow. If you are looking for a dramatic and low-maintenance perennial to add to your garden, Penstemon 'Midnight Masquerade' is definitely worth considering.
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!
