Beardtongue (Penstemon 'Midnight Masquerade')

Overview

Penstemon ‘Midnight Masquerade’ is a spectacular herbaceous perennial known for its dramatic visual contrast. This variety of Beardtongue features glossy, burgundy foliage that serves as the perfect backdrop for vibrant purple-pink, tubular flowers. It is a compact and relatively hardy hybrid, making it a reliable choice for late spring and early summer color in many garden settings.

As a member of the Plantaginaceae family, this cultivar brings high ornamental value, attracting hummingbirds with its nectar-rich blooms. It thrives under conditions mimicking its native preference for dry, well-drained soils, requiring full sun to maintain its deep leaf coloration and robust flowering habit.

Gardeners value Penstemon ‘Midnight Masquerade’ for its sturdy, upright habit which reaches about three feet tall. Integrating this Beardtongue into borders or cottage gardens provides reliable structure long after other early bloomers have faded.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Plantaginaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 3-3.25 ft
  • Spread: 2.75-3 ft
• Bloom Time: May to July
• Bloom Description: Purple-pink
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

Penstemon ‘Midnight Masquerade’ should be planted when conditions allow, focusing on areas that receive full, unobstructed sunlight throughout the day. The most critical factor for success is soil quality; ensure the location offers excellent drainage, as poor drainage leads directly to root rot. Easily grown in average, dry to medium soils.

Watering should be conservative once established. This Beardtongue exhibits a good tolerance for drought and summer heat, so only provide supplemental water during extended dry spells. Avoid consistently wet conditions characteristic of poorly-drained sites, which can encourage fungal diseases.

Routine maintenance keeps Penstemon ‘Midnight Masquerade’ looking its best. Deadheading spent flowering racemes can encourage a longer bloom period throughout the early summer months. After flowering concludes, plants may be cut back to the basal foliage to tidy the overall appearance of the planting area.

For gardeners in the colder end of its range (Zone 4), applying a loose winter mulch around the base of the plant before the ground freezes can provide necessary insulation and protection against harsh winter conditions.

Landscape Uses

The strong vertical lines and dark foliage of Penstemon ‘Midnight Masquerade’ make it an excellent structural element in landscape design. It naturally fits beautifully into sunny areas of borders, providing mid-border height that transitions well between shorter foreground plants and taller background specimens. Its rich burgundy leaves offer year-round interest even when not in bloom.

Consider using this Beardtongue in contemporary rock gardens where its preference for lean, dry soil is easily satisfied, contrasting nicely with the rough textures of stone. It also performs wonderfully in traditional cottage gardens, particularly when paired with silver foliage or plants that bloom later, extending the color palette of the bed.

Since the flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, grouping several Penstemon ‘Midnight Masquerade’ plants together creates a dynamic focal point for wildlife observation near patios or seated areas. Ensure adequate spacing of nearly three feet to allow mature clumps to develop their full, impressive spread.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Penstemon is a genus of about 250 species of herbaceous perennials and sub-shrubs which are primarily native to the continental U.S., Canada, Mexico and Guatemala in a variety of habitats ranging from desert to plains to alpine slopes. A large number of hybrids have been developed over the years, but most are of unclear parentage.The genus name Penstemon likely comes from the Latin paene meaning “almost” or “nearly” and the Greek stemon meaning “stamen”. The name may also comes from the Greek penta meaning “five” and stemon meaning “stamen”. Both refer to the fifth, sterile stamen (staminode) that characterizes members of this genus.Penstemons are sometimes commonly called beardtongues because the sterile stamen (staminode) can be hairy. ‘Midnight Masquerade’ is a compact, hardy, upright, hybrid selection of beardtongue that features dark foliage and purple-pink flowers. The purple-pink, tubular flowers are held in 12” long, terminal panicles on sturdy, upright, dark red flowering stalks above glossy, burgundy foliage.

Tolerances

• Deer

Potential Problems

While Penstemon ‘Midnight Masquerade’ is generally robust, proper soil management is key to avoiding common afflictions. Root rot is a significant threat if the plant is situated in wet, poorly-drained soils—always amend for drainage before planting. Cultural stresses can also encourage fungal issues.

Watch for leaf spots, rusts, and powdery mildew, especially in humid summer conditions. Southern blight is another potential soil-borne issue to monitor for. Proactively manage cultural conditions to keep the foliage healthy.

Pest pressure is typically low for established Beardtongue, but slugs and snails might occasionally chew on the foliage. Spider mites can also become a concern during very hot, dry periods. A healthy, well-sited plant will naturally resist most pests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Beardtongue (Penstemon ‘Midnight Masquerade’) suitable for?

Penstemon ‘Midnight Masquerade’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 9.

How large does Beardtongue (Penstemon ‘Midnight Masquerade’) grow?

Mature clumps typically reach heights between 3 and 3.25 feet tall, spreading out to cover an area approximately 2.75 to 3 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Penstemon ‘Midnight Masquerade’ need?

This cultivar requires full sun exposure to achieve its best performance, both for deep foliage color and abundant flowering.

When does Beardtongue (Penstemon ‘Midnight Masquerade’) bloom?

You can expect this Beardtongue to bloom reliably from May through July, producing attractive purple-pink flowers.

Conclusion

Penstemon ‘Midnight Masquerade’ stands out as a modern hybrid that skillfully blends architectural dark foliage with reliable summer color attractive to local wildlife. This hardy Beardtongue requires consistent sun and excellent drainage to thrive, rewarding gardeners with minimal fuss once established. Check your intended planting site for sun exposure and drainage before adding this striking perennial to your garden plans.

Companion Planting

Selecting appropriate partners is crucial for showcasing the deep tones of Penstemon ‘Midnight Masquerade’. Plants that enjoy similar dry to medium soil and full sun conditions are ideal companions. Consider pairing it with silvery-leafed plants like Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina) to make the burgundy foliage pop, or utilize light-colored perennials such as pale lavender Salvia or white Coreopsis for a harmonious, sun-drenched tapestry.

Avoid placing this Beardtongue next to heavy water users or plants intolerant of dry soil, as this will compromise both its health and the health of its neighbors. Good companions should also offer blooms before or after the May to July window of the Penstemon to ensure continuous visual interest in the border.

For a cottage garden feel, allow spillers or fillers with finer texture to soften the upright presence of Penstemon ‘Midnight Masquerade’. Plants like Creeping Thyme or low ornamental grasses work well near the front edge of the border where the soil dries quickly.

Wildlife Benefits

The tubular flower shape of Penstemon ‘Midnight Masquerade’ is perfectly designed for hummingbirds, making it a vital nectar source during the late spring and early summer months. These flowers offer a high-energy reward for these energetic aerial acrobats viewing your garden.

While the strong deer tolerance is noted for problem avoidance, the blooms are also visited by various long-tongued native bees and butterflies seeking sustenance. Planting multiple clumps creates a larger, more visible patch encouraging wildlife visitors to linger.

Even after the primary bloom fades, the structural foliage of this Beardtongue remains attractive, offering shelter or backdrop structure for smaller beneficial insects throughout the fall season.