Husker Red Beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis
PEN-steh-mon dij-ih-TAL-iss
Perennials: Flower
Beardtongue
Zone
3: -40° to -30°
Min. Temp
Hardy: 28°
Plants form a sturdy mound of leaves, beet-red during the spring and fall, greener in summer. Outstanding for foliage effect in the border, but also useful in tubs and mixed containers. Clumps may be easily divided in spring or fall.
Appearance
Summer Foliage
Purple
Fall Foliage
Green
Flower Color
Pink
Blooming Time
Early Summer - Fall
Habit
Upright
Height
2–3 ft
Spread
18–24 in
Form
Trumpet
Characteristics
Type
Cultivar
Safety
Non-toxic
Growth Rate
Moderate
Tolerance/Resistance
Drought Tolerant
Attracts
Attracts Hummingbirds; Attracts Honeybees & Pollinators
Uses/Placement
Massed
Optimal Growing Conditions
Sun Exposure
Full Sun - Part Shade
Soil Texture
Loamy
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Soil Moisture
Dry to Average
Soil PH
Slightly Alkaline: 7.0-7.5
PH Tolerance
Prefers slightly alkaline soil
Soil Amendment(s)
Compost
Fertilizer
Light Feeder
Fertilizer Formula
Balanced Fertilizer
Fertilizer Timing
Pre-Bloom
Micronutrients
Trace Minerals Beneficial
Care
Care Level
Low
Behavior and Propagation
Spreading
Moderate Spreader
Propagation Method
Benefits from Pollinators
Propagation Licensing
Open propagation permitted
Division Timing
Spring or Fall Division