Husker Red Penstemon Plant

Husker Red Penstemon Plants features bronze-red foliage and stems that are topped in early summer with white flowers that are tinged with pink. The foliage color is best in cooler fall temperatures. Beardtongue plants do best in full sun locations and will tolerate nutrient poor soil, even gravely soils; must be very well drained. It is not recommended to use traditional mulch on this plant, use gravel if you must mulch at all. Penstemon are exceptional at attracting pollinators and they are seldom browsed by deer or rabbits.

Our Penstemon Plants are cultivated with care and grown without harmful pesticides, ensuring they are a safe and colorful addition to your garden. Guaranteed to arrive healthy and ready to thrive!

Planting Instructions:

• - Best planted in spring or fall for optimal root establishment
• - Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for mature growth

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.0-7.5
• - Prefers well-drained soil, tolerates sandy or rocky soils

Watering Specifics:

• - Water thoroughly when first planted, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings
• - Once established, Penstemon is drought-tolerant and thrives with minimal watering

Fertilizer Type:

• - Apply a light, balanced fertilizer in early spring to support growth and blooming
• - Avoid heavy fertilization, as Penstemon performs best in leaner soils

Pruning and Training:

• - Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering
• - Cut back stems after flowering to promote new growth and prevent leggy growth

Additional Pest Management:

• - Penstemon is generally pest-free but may occasionally attract aphids or slugs; monitor as needed
• - Ensure good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew and other fungal issues

Blooming Indicators:

• - Blooms from late spring to early summer with tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, red, or white

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, tolerates heat and drought once established

Companion Plants for Penstemon:

• - Echinacea: Complements Penstemon with its vibrant, daisy-like blooms and pollinator appeal
• - Lavender: Adds a fragrant, drought-tolerant companion that pairs well with Penstemon’s tubular flowers
• - Salvia: Provides vertical spikes of blue or purple flowers that contrast with Penstemon’s softer tones
• - Coreopsis: Offers a bright, continuous display of yellow blooms that enhances Penstemon’s colorful flowers
• - Rudbeckia: Adds bold, yellow flowers that complement Penstemon’s spiky form