Species beardtongue
 small, tubular, white flowers with white stamens, and hairy, blackish-green stems

beardtongue

Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red'

Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red') is a species of flowering plant native to the eastern and central United States. Its deep red flowers can reach heights of up to 3 feet when mature. Its striking triangular foliage consists of long, sharp-toothed oval leaves, adding an eye-catching texture to any garden bed. The flowers of 'Husker Red' appear from July to early September. The plant prefers full sun but will also tolerate partial shade in well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant once established, and also attracts hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden. This important nectar source is an ideal addition to any wildflower or pollinator garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Full sun Partial sun

Soil:

Loamy

Fruits:

red Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red') should be watered moderately once weekly or every other week. The soil should be given an inch or 2 of water each time to keep it evenly moist without becoming waterlogged. When planting in a dryer climate, it may require occasional deep watering. During dry and hot weather, the soil should be checked periodically to ensure that the plant is getting enough water. If the soil is dry to the touch, water can be applied more frequently. In hot climates, the plant should be watered in the morning or early evening to prevent evaporation.

sunlight

Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red') should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. These plants require about 4 to 6 hours of partial or filtered sunlight, and more shade if in direct sun during summer months. While sensitive to drought and heat if in too much sun, beardtongue requires some direct sun to bring out the colors in the foliage. It is best to provide the plant with morning sunlight up until around noon, when the plant should be shaded from the intense afternoon sun. In climates where temperatures vary widely in the summer months, it is best to keep the plant in a partially shaded location until temperatures are more mild.

pruning

Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red') should be pruned in early spring, after the last frost. Prune s by trimming off any dead wood and cutting back the plant to a height of about 12 inches (30 cm). This will promote bushier growth and improve the overall health of the plant by allowing new stems and leaves to form. Deadheading any spent flower stalks will also help to encourage new flower growth.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' is typically in July and August.

Hardiness Map