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 |
| PENSTEMON DIG HUSKER RED | con 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 388 |
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To help this plant settle in and thrive, we recommend these standard planting practices: Plant in a location with full sun and well-draining soil. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering. Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
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