Penstemon 'Husker Red' (Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red')

Penstemon 'Husker Red'

Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' is one of the few penstemons that thrives in wet winters and hot, humid summers. Ruby‑toned leaves appear in spring, followed by 3‑foot‑high stems with panicles of white blooms in late spring/early summer. Flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, butterflies; not favored by deer or rabbits. In autumn/winter, songbirds feast on the seed. Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year 1996.

Key Features

• Ruby‑red foliage in spring; white flowers.
• Tolerates wet winters and hot, humid summers.
• Attracts pollinators and songbirds; deer/rabbit resistant.
• 1996 Perennial Plant of the Year.

Growing Conditions

Full sun to light shade; average, well‑drained soil. Stake if necessary.

Care & Propagation

Divide in spring; cuttings in summer; start seed indoors at 55–64°F. Problems: root rot in wet soil, occasional leaf spots.

Landscape Uses

Beds, borders; cottage garden.

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