Husker Red Beardtongue Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red'
ABOUT
'Husker Red' is a striking variety of beardtongue with a distinctive foliage and flower arrangement. This plant features a rosette of lance-shaped leaves with a deep burgundy or maroon coloration, which can be almost wine-red in sunlight. The vibrant leaves provide a sharp contrast to the white, tubular blossoms that emerge on tall, sturdy flower spikes. These blooms have a tendency to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, which are drawn to their nectar. The flowers, themselves, often feature a pale pink to white hue with a purple or reddish tone on the tube part. The stark difference between the dark leaves and light flowers creates a dramatic visual display in gardens and landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Beardtongue, Husker Red Penstemon, Foxglove Penstemon, Husker Red Beard Tongue
Common names
Penstemon digitalis var. digitalis, Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red'.
ToxicityTo humans
Beardtongue is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting beardtongue, and it is not known to contain any compounds that are harmful to humans. Therefore, accidental ingestion is unlikely to cause harm, but as with any non-food plant, it is advisable to avoid eating it.
To pets
Beardtongue is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. It is not known to contain any substances that are harmful to dogs or cats, and there are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning associated with beardtongue ingestion by pets. However, pets should not be encouraged to eat ornamental plants as they might cause digestive upset or an allergic reaction in some cases.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Dark red
Flower color
White
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The tubular flowers of 'Husker Red' are known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, enhancing pollination in the garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, 'Husker Red' is quite drought tolerant, requiring minimal supplemental water and reducing the need for irrigation.
- Easy to Grow: It is a hardy perennial that is easy to care for, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Landscape Aesthetics: The striking purplish-red foliage and white to pale pink flowers of 'Husker Red' add contrasting color and beauty to garden landscapes.
- Naturalizing: This plant has the ability to self-seed under optimum conditions, naturalizing in the garden to create a fuller, more established look.
- Cold Hardy: 'Husker Red' can withstand cold temperatures, making it a good choice for gardens in cooler climates.
- Erosion Control: The root system of 'Husker Red' can help stabilize soil and control erosion on slopes and banks.
- Deer Resistant: 'Husker Red' is not a favored plant for deer, reducing the likelihood of damage in areas with deer populations.
- Seasonal Interest: With foliage that provides color from spring through fall and blooms that appear in late spring to early summer, 'Husker Red' offers multi-season interest.
- Flexible Garden Design: The upright form and moderate size of 'Husker Red' make it suitable for various garden designs, including borders, wild gardens, and container planting.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic inspiration: Due to Husker Red's striking foliage and flowers, it can inspire artists and photographers who often use it as a subject in their work to capture its beauty.
- Dye production: The deep red foliage may be used to create natural dyes for textiles, although this is not a commonly practiced use.
- Educational tool: Gardeners and educators can use Husker Red to teach about plant biology, pollination, and ornamental horticulture.
- Garden design element: With its contrasting colors, Husker Red can serve as a 'thriller' in container designs or as a focal point in garden beds.
- Winter interest: The seed heads of Husker Red remain on the plant through winter, providing visual interest in otherwise barren gardens.
- Marker plant: Gardeners can use it to mark the location of more subdued plants that go dormant in the winter, ensuring they are not accidentally disturbed.
- Eco-printing: The leaves and flowers of Husker Red might be used in eco-printing, a process where natural plant elements are used to create patterns on fabric or paper.
- Culinary decoration: Although not typically consumed, the flowers can be used as garnishes for salads and desserts to add a splash of color.
- Lure for wildlife photography: Because they are attractive to pollinators, Husker Red can be used by photographers to attract and capture images of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Holiday decor: The foliage and seed heads can be included in fall and winter floral arrangements or wreaths for decorative purposes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Beardtongue is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Beardtongue is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength: Penstemon is often associated with strength due to its sturdy nature and ability to thrive in tough environments.
- Determination: This hardy plant is a symbol of determination, as it persists and blooms even in challenging conditions.
- Versatility: 'Husker Red', with its adaptability to various soil types and conditions, represents versatility and the ability to succeed in different situations.
- Beauty in adversity: The contrast of its red foliage and white flowers symbolizes finding beauty amid adversity, reflecting the plant's beauty in harsh environments.
- Attraction: With its striking appearance, the Penstemon can symbolize attraction, suggesting a pull or draw to someone or something desirable.
WaterHusker Red Beardtongue prefers consistent moisture, especially during its first growing season to establish a deep root system. After establishment, it is more drought-tolerant but should be watered once a week during periods of dry weather. When watering, provide a thorough soaking to ensure water reaches deep into the soil. This typically means applying approximately 1 inch of water, which translates to about 0.623 gallons per square yard, across the area around the plant. During the hottest part of the summer, you may need to increase watering frequency if there are signs of stress such as wilting leaves.
LightFor optimal growth, the Husker Red Beardtongue should be placed in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. It thrives best in full sun, which means at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If grown in too much shade, the plant may become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
TemperatureThe Husker Red Beardtongue is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, making it suitable for many gardens. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F and is comfortable in the summer heat as long as it does not exceed around 90°F. Ideally, it thrives in temperatures that range from 50°F to 85°F.
PruningPruning the Husker Red Beardtongue encourages bushier growth and may improve flowering. Deadheading the spent blooms can promote a second bloom in the fall. Cut back the foliage in late winter to early spring before new growth begins, which is typically once a year. This also helps to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent diseases by removing any damaged or dead growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBeardtongue (Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red') thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.8 to 6.8. An ideal soil mix for 'Husker Red' includes loamy garden soil, peat, and coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage. Adding compost or well-rotted manure enriches the soil, enhancing plant growth and flowering.
RepottingBeardtongue generally does not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same spot for several years. Repotting is typically necessary only when the plant has outgrown its current container, which may happen every 3-4 years or if the soil has become compacted or depleted.
Humidity & Misting'Husker Red' Beardtongue performs best in average humidity conditions typical of outdoor environments. Indoor growing should also be in areas with no excessive humidity; however, this plant is fairly adaptable to varying humidity levels as long as proper soil moisture and drainage are maintained.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place 'Husker Red' Beardtongue in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant 'Husker Red' Beardtongue in full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cyclePenstemon digitalis 'Husker Red', commonly known as beardtongue, begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate in the spring after stratification, which is a period of cold moist treatment to break dormancy. The seedlings develop into rosettes that gradually form foliage with distinctive dark red leaves. In its second year, the plant sends up flower stalks, and blooms with white to light pink flowers in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers produce small capsules filled with seeds by late summer. Once the seeds are dispersed, the plant may die back, especially in colder climates; however, it can act as a short-lived perennial, regrowing from the crown the following year. Throughout its life, Husker Red beardtongue also undergoes seasonal changes, with foliage dying back in the winter and regenerating from the base in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter to Early Spring
Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red', commonly known as Beardtongue, is most commonly propagated by seed. The optimal time for sowing the seeds is either in the fall to allow for natural stratification during the winter months, or in the spring after a period of cold stratification to mimic winter conditions, which can be done by placing the seeds in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks. When propagating Beardtongue by seed, the seeds should be lightly covered with soil because they require some light for germination. It's important to keep the soil moist until germination, which usually occurs within 2-3 weeks at a temperature around 60-70°F (15-21°C). Once the seedlings have developed true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or their final position in the garden.
