An award-winning beardtongue grown for its deep maroon-red foliage topped by airy spires of white, pink-flushed flowers. Cold-hardy, drought-tolerant and a striking foliage-and-flower combination.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Mature size: 75 cm H × 50 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Husker Red Beardtongue
Penstemon 'Husker Red' is a moderate-growing perennial in the Plantaginaceae family. It reaches around 75 cm tall and 50 cm wide at maturity, with purple-toned and deciduous foliage. White and pink flowers appear in spring and summer.
Where to grow Husker Red Beardtongue
Husker Red Beardtongue suits cool-temperate, warm-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and is an award-winning selection.
Soil & planting
Husker Red Beardtongue does best in free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Husker Red Beardtongue is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Husker Red Beardtongue after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Husker Red Beardtongue in the garden
Husker Red Beardtongue earns its place for feeding bees and pollinators, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden, cut flowers for the vase and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Husker Red Beardtongue with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and cool-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Husker Red Beardtongue
Plant Sale lists Husker Red Beardtongue as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.