Protected Series:
Zone: 4HUSKER RED BEARDTONGUE
Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' is a legendary perennial that was named the Perennial Plant of the Year in 1996 for its rugged reliability and striking color contrast. It is celebrated for its deep maroon-to-purple foliage, which provides a dark, sophisticated backdrop for its airy spires of tubular, brilliant white flowers that appear in late spring and early summer. Reaching a stately height of 30 to 36 inches, it creates a vertical "candelabra" effect in the garden, acting as a premier nectar source for hummingbirds and native bees while offering a much cleaner, more upright habit than the native species.
One of the greatest strengths of 'Husker Red' is its extreme cold hardiness and adaptability, thriving effortlessly in USDA zones 3-8. Unlike many other penstemons that demand gritty, desert-like soil, 'Huster Red' is surprisingly tolerant of heavier clay soils and can even handle occasional "wet feet" better than most, though it still performs best with good drainage. It is a low-maintenance "workhorse" that is both deer and rabbit resistant, making it an ideal choice for naturalized meadows, cottage gardens, or structured borders where a touch of dark, year-round foliage is needed.
| PLANT | SIZE | TYPE | GALENA | ADD'L | DIG | SOON |
Any current Availability will be listed above this line. This item will not be in the cart if there is no Galena stock listed here.
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KEY:
con = containers - available now
Galena (Ready to Go!) Plants that are above ground and available now
Additional (More Plants!) Plants are not in Galena, but in a remote location which is easily accessible. Call your rep for info. They will not be in the Shop.
Dig (In-Ground Field) Plants are still in the ground. Please call your sales rep to place a Dig Order. They will not be in the Shop.
Soon (Coming Soon) Plants are not quite ready but coming soon. Call your rep to inquire. They will not be in the Shop.
(BBnPOT - formerly known as GRSTART - are B&B put into a container - they are available now)
Available cultivars in this genus:
