PL#4328
'Husker Red'
Penstemon digitalis
Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ is a standout native perennial prized for its deep burgundy foliage and elegant early‑summer bloom. New growth emerges in rich wine‑red tones, gradually maturing to a glossy, dark green with persistent red undertones. In early to midsummer, tall, airy stems rise above the clump, carrying clean white tubular flowers that often show a soft blush tint and draw in bees and hummingbirds. The plant maintains a tidy, upright habit and offers excellent drought tolerance once established, performing reliably in full sun and a wide range of soils. Adaptable and easy to grow, it brings bold foliage contrast and long‑season interest to borders, native plantings, and modern landscape designs.
Public reference
- Genus
- Penstemon
- Species
- digitalis
- Cultivar
- Husker Red
- Trade name
- —
- Hardiness zones
- 3–8 (USDA)
- Mature height
- 2.667 ft
- Mature width
- 2–3 ft
- Description
- Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ is a standout native perennial prized for its deep burgundy foliage and elegant early‑summer bloom. New growth emerges in rich wine‑red tones, gradually maturing to a glossy, dark green with persistent red undertones. In early to midsummer, tall, airy stems rise above the clump, carrying clean white tubular flowers that often show a soft blush tint and draw in bees and hummingbirds. The plant maintains a tidy, upright habit and offers excellent drought tolerance once established, performing reliably in full sun and a wide range of soils. Adaptable and easy to grow, it brings bold foliage contrast and long‑season interest to borders, native plantings, and modern landscape designs.
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Identity
- Common names
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- Patent number
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Lifecycle & form
- Lifecycle
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- Deciduous / evergreen
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- Height category
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- Form
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- Growth habit
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Site requirements
- Sun exposure
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- Soil moisture
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- pH range
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- Drought tolerant
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- Flood tolerant
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- Heat tolerant
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Flowers
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- Flower colors
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- Flower size
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- Flower shape
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- Petal count
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- Reblooming
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- Fragrance level
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- Fragrance notes
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Foliage
- Foliage colors (by season)
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- Variegated
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- Seasons of interest
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Wildlife & safety
- Attracts
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- Deer resistant
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- Rodent resistant
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- Pet toxicity
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- Human toxicity
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Use & care
- Best for
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- Thornless
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- Has seed pods
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- Difficulty level
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- Gardener notes
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Legal
- Asexual propagation forbidden
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- Patent expires
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