Husker Red Penstemon (Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red')

Why Choose Husker Red Penstemon?

Eye-catching Foliage: The Husker Red Penstemon gets its name from its unique maroon-red leaves, which stay colorful throughout the growing season. This distinctive foliage adds a splash of rich, deep red to your garden, making it stand out from the rest. Even when it's not in bloom, the foliage remains a visual delight.

Graceful Flowers: In late spring to early summer, this penstemon produces tall spikes of tubular, pinkish-white flowers with a touch of lavender. These blossoms sway gracefully in the breeze and are magnets for pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, creating a delightful and dynamic display in your garden. It's like a floral orchestra right in your backyard!

Low Maintenance: Husker Red Penstemon is a hardy perennial that requires minimal care once established. It's drought-tolerant and can thrive in a variety of soil types, making it an excellent choice for gardeners of all skill levels. With this plant, you can enjoy its beauty without constantly tending to it.

Versatile: Whether you want to use it as a border plant, in mixed perennial beds, or as a focal point in your garden, the Husker Red Penstemon's versatility ensures it fits seamlessly into any garden design. Its striking appearance allows it to complement a wide range of companion plants and garden styles.

Wildlife Attraction: Apart from its aesthetic appeal, this penstemon serves as a valuable resource for pollinators. Bees and hummingbirds are frequent visitors, ensuring your garden becomes a bustling haven for these beneficial creatures. By choosing Husker Red Penstemon, you're contributing to the ecosystem's well-being.

Planting and Care

Planting

Choose the Right Location: Select a location with well-draining soil and partial to full sunlight. Husker Red Penstemon prefers at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. The more sun it gets, the more vibrant its foliage will be.

Dig the Perfect Hole: Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and place your plant in the hole. Ensure that the top of the root ball is level with the ground surface. Proper planting depth is crucial for the plant's health.

Water Wisely: Water thoroughly after planting to help the roots establish themselves. In the first growing season, provide consistent moisture. Once established, the Husker Red Penstemon is relatively drought-tolerant.

Mulch Magic: Add a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture, control weeds, and maintain a consistent soil temperature.

Care

Deadheading: To encourage continuous blooming and maintain a neat appearance, deadhead spent flowers as they fade. Simply snip off the spent flower stalks at the base.

Pruning: Prune back the plant in late fall or early spring to remove any dead or damaged growth. This will also encourage new growth and maintain the plant's shape. Cut the plant back to a few inches above the ground.

Fertilization: Fertilize with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in the spring to provide essential nutrients for healthy growth. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper application rates.

Winter Care: In colder regions, apply a layer of mulch over the plant's root zone in late fall to protect it from frost. You can also cut back the foliage in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth when the weather warms up.

The Husker Red Penstemon is a delightful addition to any garden, offering not only stunning aesthetics but also ease of care. Its captivating foliage and graceful flowers make it a standout choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Don't miss the opportunity to invite this charming perennial into your outdoor space. Explore our selection and make your garden flourish with the beauty of Husker Red Penstemon from onlinetrees.com!