Penstemon digitalis 'Husker's Red' - Foxglove Penstemon

Commonly called Beardtongue, Penstemon is a large native genus found over large areas of the US and Canada, especially in drier locations. It contains a wealth of flower colors and sizes, plant heights, and growth habits. 'Husker Red' is a white-flowered, red-foliaged form of P. digitalis that was selected and introduced in 1983 by Dr. Dale Lindgren, University of Nebraska. It is a versatile garden perennial, valuable as a specimen, or as a cut flower. When plants are well established, height averages about 30 inches, with as many as 50 white flowers on each of 20 or more open, airy, flower stalks during July and August. Perhaps 'Husker Red's' most valuable attribute is the rich, bronze-red foliage which provides striking contrast with the masses of white flowers.

'Husker Red' prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic. Soils that are well drained during the winter help to extend its life. Plants thrive in full sun to light shade.

Publisher: Hirt's Gardens