Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red')

Overview

Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ is a highly valued cultivar prized for its bold, deep maroon foliage that provides excellent contrast in sunny garden settings. This variety of Beardtongue maintains its striking color throughout the growing season, setting it apart from standard green-leaved perennials. It brings vertical interest with its erect stems topped by attractive white, two-lipped flowers, making it a fantastic addition to mixed borders.

As an herbaceous perennial, Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ offers reliable, low-maintenance performance across a wide range of hardiness zones. It attracts vital pollinators, including hummingbirds and butterflies, enhancing the ecological value of your landscape. Successful cultivation hinges on providing ample sunlight to ensure the best foliage coloration.

This Beardtongue variety is remarkably adaptable, thriving in average garden conditions once established. Gardeners appreciate its tolerance for less-than-ideal soil types, though excellent drainage remains key to long-term success. Combining attractive flowers, rich foliage color, and ease of care makes Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ a staple for modern perennial gardens.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Plantaginaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 2-3 ft
  • Spread: 1-2 ft
• Bloom Time: April to June
• Bloom Description: White
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

The ideal location for Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ is a site receiving full sun. Consistent, high light exposure is crucial, especially for developing the signature deep maroon coloration in the leaves. Plant in average soil that is well-drained, aiming for dry to medium moisture levels. While this Beardtongue can handle clay soils, avoid areas where water pools consistently, as this promotes root rot.

Water requirements are minimal once the plant is established; it exhibits good drought tolerance. Focus initial watering on settling the plant in after transplanting. Generally, supplementary watering is only necessary during prolonged dry spells. Fertilization is rarely required; over-fertilizing can lead to weak growth and reduced flower production.

Stems are typically rigid, but if flowering proves exceptionally prolific, some plants may benefit from staking for support. Deadheading spent flower spikes is optional; removing them can encourage a tidier appearance but is not essential for the plant’s health. In the spring, clean up any old foliage before new growth emerges from the crown.

Landscape Uses

Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ performs beautifully when used for mass planting in sunny borders, creating a dramatic, colorful sweep as the season progresses. Its upright habit and dark leaves make it an excellent structural accent plant, drawing the eye toward taller specimens or softening the edges of hardscaping. Consider using it in rain gardens, acknowledging its tolerance for occasional inundation, provided the soil drains adequately afterward.

For dynamic design, pair the maroon foliage of this Beardtongue with contrasting silver-leaved plants or bright yellow-flowering companions that share full sun and dry-to-medium water needs. Its height (2-3 ft) makes it ideally suited for the middle plane of perennial groupings. It also functions effectively as a specimen plant where its unique leaf color can be appreciated up close.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Penstemon digitalis, commonly called foxglove beardtongue or tall white beardtongue, is a clump-forming, Missouri-native perennial featuring white, two-lipped flowers attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. The cultivar ‘Husker Red’ typically grows 2-3’ tall and is named for its leaves, which emerge deep maroon in spring before maturing to dark green in summer. The genus name, Penstemon, refers to the characteristic fifth, sterile stamen present in the flower structure.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Drought
• Clay Soil
• Dry Soil

Potential Problems

The most significant risk for Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ is root rot, which occurs if the plant sits in overly wet, poorly drained soil, especially over winter. To prevent this, ensure your site has adequate drainage before planting. Occasionally, leaf spot fungal issues can appear; improving air circulation by spacing plants correctly can help mitigate this common issue. While deer generally avoid this Beardtongue, the plant can spread somewhat aggressively in ideal garden conditions, requiring minor division or management to keep it contained.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Beardtongue suitable for?

Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ is hardy across USDA Zones 3 through 8, offering a wide planting range for many gardeners.

How large does Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ grow?

This herbaceous perennial typically reaches a height between 2 and 3 feet, with a spread of 1 to 2 feet at maturity.

When does Beardtongue bloom?

This Beardtongue variety produces its white flowers reliably from April into June, offering reliable early-season color.

What sun exposure does Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ need?

This plant requires full sun exposure to thrive and to develop the deep maroon coloration that makes it so spectacular in the landscape.

Conclusion

Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ provides consistent visual interest through its dark foliage and attractive pollinator-friendly white blooms. Its low maintenance requirements and impressive drought tolerance make this Beardtongue an excellent choice for sunny, challenging spots. Confirm that your garden receives full sun and has well-drained soil before planting this versatile perennial this season.

Companion Planting

Selecting good companions for Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ involves matching its needs for full sun and dry-to-medium soil. Consider pairing it with plants that contrast well visually, such as silvery artemisias or flowering perennials like Salvia or Echinacea (Coneflower). These companions thrive under similar sunny conditions and appreciate the good drainage that Beardtongue requires. This combination ensures a cohesive water and light regimen across the entire planting area.

Wildlife Benefits

The tubular white flowers of this Beardtongue are specially structured to attract hummingbirds, which are key ecosystem supporters. Butterflies also frequently visit the blooms, making Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ a powerful plant for creating a pollinator corridor in your yard. Planting it near windows or gathering areas allows you to enjoy this beneficial wildlife activity throughout its mid-spring blooming period.