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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Husker Red Beardtongue performs well with relatively little water once established. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Prune Husker Red Beardtongue after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Its ongoing care level 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
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same happy on low water and cool-temperate climate as Husker Red Beardtongue. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate.
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. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
