Beardtongue Flowers - Penstemon Digitalis, Husker Red
Several years ago, I will say its about 5 or 6 now, I purchased a unique perennial called "Beardtongue", which is a penstemon. Officially, it is called Penstemon Digitalis, and the variety is Husker Red. I am way more impressed with this plant than I ever anticipated I would be. You could call it being pleasantly surprised.
I never want to forget this plant, and wanted to recommend it to others for a few reasons. First of all, its not your average flowering perennial. It seems to not need too much coddling, which is nice for when life gets busy and your first priorities are not your gardens. It comes back faithfully every year, just as bold and strong as the first few years. It blooms beautifully, these unique little white flowers on dark stems. Its just a very handsome plant. I never remember to fertilize it, and I don't have to separate it at the roots or anything.
The other day when I was driving through a neighborhood, I thought I saw this plant in a persons front yard. As I was passing directly in front of it, I noticed it was indeed a beardtongue plant/flowers. It seems to not be too showy a plant at first glance (when you are buying it) but it was just beautiful in this person's garden, just as in mine. Needless to say I am more and more impressed each year with it. I mean, with how it is performing in the garden. Granted, it could be it is in a favorite kind of spot, getting each and everything it needs exactly. Still, I tend to think its just an amazing flowering perennial.
While its not specifically a butterfly magnet, its a good anchor plant in the garden as a whole. Would I purchase one again? Yes, absolutely. This plant likes full sun, and it has rather striking red foliage, like a deep red. The flowers are a fair size, and are white, with maybe a little pink tint to them. It is a native wildflower. It does well in zones 3-8. Likes good drainage, and regular water in the summer to look the best it can. It said to not fertilize or mulch. (Its funny how some plants do better that way!)
I can't recommend it highly enough, and would consider seeing if your local garden center carries them.
