Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' (penstemon 'Husker Red') — Bushy

Overview

Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Penstemon, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include flower borders and beds, cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, coastal and wildlife gardens.

About the genus

Penstemon, the beardtongues, is a large genus of roughly 280 species of flowering plants native to North America from northern Canada to Central America. It is the largest genus of flowering plants endemic to North America. As well as being the scientific name, penstemon is also widely used as a common name for all Penstemon species alongside beardtongues.

Wikipedia contributors, "Penstemon", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Penstemon

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Penstemon

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H4

Plant details

Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Semi evergreen
Height: 0.5-1 metres
Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height: 2-5 years
Suggested uses: Flower borders and beds, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red'

Propagation: Softwood cuttings in early summer, Semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer, Division in spring
Pest resistance: Slugs, Snails, Aphids, Leaf and bud eelworms
Disease resistance: Downy mildews, Powdery mildews, Grey moulds, Fungal leaf spot

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red'?

Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' need?

Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

How big does Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' grow?

Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.

Is Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' hardy in the UK?

Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.

How do I propagate Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red'?

Softwood cuttings in early summer, Semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer, Division in spring.

More in the Penstemon genus

Browse all Penstemon →