Penstemon is a large genus of herbaceous perennials in the plantain family (Plantaginaceae) native to North America. Most are best suited for western climates where there are leaner soils and less humid conditions. P. Digitalis, also known as foxglove beardtongue or smooth penstemon, is one of the few penstemons that does well in places where it rains and humid in the summer. The species lives in the eastern part of North America, from eastern Canada to Virginia and from South Dakota to eastern Texas to Alabama. It can be found in prairies, fields, along the edges of woodlands or open forests, and on roads and railroad tracks. Dale Lindgren created the cultivar “Husker Red” at the University of Nebraska. It was released in 1983 with a name that refers to the school’s color (and the leaves’ maroon color), as well as its nickname, the Cornhuskers. It was named Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association in 1996 and can grow in zones 3 through 8. This herbaceous rhizomatous perennial only lives for a short time. It grows in a clump with a group of up to 2 feet wide basal rosettes. However, the leaves of the species and other cultivars are green, while the leaves of Husker Red are burgundy. The species can grow up to 5 feet tall, but this cultivar only grows to be about 2 to 3 feet tall when it blooms. The glossy bottom leaves aren’t always the same shape, but they’re usually elliptical with smooth edges and a tip that’s rounded to pointy. The edges are often wavy. The opposite leaves further up along the flower stems are smaller, oblong to lance-shaped, and often toothed. The dark color of the foliage is most intense early in the growing season, becoming greener by summer. Foxglove beardtongue blooms for about a month in mid-spring to early summer. One or more straight flower stalks grow out of the clumped rosettes, forming lots of flowers in panicles on the stiff, deep purple stems. ‘Husker Red’ is more floriferous than the species. The white flowers are tubular and up to 1¼ inches long, making them look like the finger of a glove. They have short, narrowly triangular lobes that stick out from the calyx. The flower stalk, calyx and exterior of the flower are all covered in short, dense, sticky glandular hairs. Each flower has two lips, a white style, and five stamens. The four stamens with black tips that are pressed against the top of the tube are fertile, while the one with a yellow tip is sterile. The sterile stamen is called a beardtongue because it has a tuft of small hairs on it. The upper lip has two round lobes, and the lower lip has three round lobes that are a little bigger than the upper lip’s lobes. These flowers don’t have a scent, but bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds may visit. The corolla may have a pink blush or fine violet nectar guides. They can also be used as cut flowers. If the flower heads aren’t cut off, rounded to egg-shaped seed capsules appear after the flowers. These can be used as decorations until early winter. When the fruit is ready, the dry seed capsules split open, letting out many small, dark seeds with fine pits and uneven angles. Plants will self-seed but the foliage of the seedlings may not be as maroon as the parent plant. Although it can tolerate partial shade, grow ‘Husker Red’ in full sun for more intense leaf color. It does best in well-drained loam, but grows well in clay soils and is drought tolerant. When grown in rich soils, the flowers may require staking. Beardtongue called “Husker Red” looks good in naturalized areas, cottage gardens, informal borders, and wild or informal planting areas. As a specimen, group a single plant with shorter plants that have bright green leaves together, or plant many of them together for a mass of dark leaves and lots of white flowers. This plant does well in rain gardens because it can handle periods of dry and wet conditions (but not always wet soil). It combines well with many native plants including blue flowered spiderworts (Tradescantia spp. ), blue false indigo (Baptisia australis), and native grasses such as prairie dropseed. Try it with short catmints (Nepeta faassenii), lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis) and purple alliums. ‘Husker Red’ doesn’t have any serious pest problems, other than root rot if sited in poorly drained locations. It is not favored by deer and rarely browsed by rabbits. Propagate the cultivar by division in spring or cuttings taken in summer. Plants grown from seed may not have the dark-colored foliage that makes this cultivar so attractive. Seed ripens in the fall and germinates best with cold-moist stratification and light. Some other cultivars and hybrids of P. digitalis include:
Penstemon Husker Red is a popular perennial cultivar known for its striking deep red foliage and elegant white blooms. This beardtongue provides great visual impact in the garden and attracts pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers. When planting Husker Red, choose companion plants that will enhance its assets and create an appealing display.
Why Grow Companion Plants with Husker Red
There are several benefits to selecting plants that complement Penstemon Husker Red:
- Accentuate its dramatic foliage and blooms
- Attract more pollinators like bees, butterflies and hummingbirds
- Extend the season of interest with different bloom times
- Complement its upright habit with mounding or trailing plants
- Echo its red and white color palette for harmony
- Provide vertical contrast with grasses and groundcovers
Carefully chosen companions make this already showy plant a true standout
Best Perennial Companions
Catmint
Catmint varieties like ‘Walker’s Low’ have lavender-blue blooms on aromatic foliage that pair beautifully with Husker Red. Catmint is also drought tolerant and brings in pollinators.
Coral Bells
Heuchera like ‘Palace Purple’ offer burgundy leaves that pick up the red tones in Husker Red’s foliage, Their spikes of white flowers add nice contrast,
Garden Phlox
Try a bushy phlox like ‘David’ that has bright white flower heads and deep green leaves It blooms at the same time as Husker Red
Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea has colorful reddish-purple blooms with brown centers that last for months. A prairie native, it attracts butterflies.
Best Annual Companions
Begonia
Scarlet ‘Dragon Wing Red’ begonias mirror the red foliage of Husker Red beautifully. Begonias thrive in the same growing conditions.
Blue Salvia
‘Victoria Blue’ salvia pairs perfectly with Husker Red’s white blooms. Its blue flowers and red stems coordinate well.
Marigold
The bi-color ‘Disco’ marigold has red and white flowers that complement Husker Red’s palette. Marigolds attract pollinators.
Zinnia
‘Magellan White’ zinnias are resistant to mildew. Their bright white blooms stand out against Husker Red’s dark leaves.
Best Ornamental Grass Companions
Feather Reed Grass
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ provides fine-textured vertical contrast to Husker Red’s flowers and habit.
Switch Grass
Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ has lacy burgundy foliage and airy blooms that blend nicely with Husker Red.
Best Groundcover Companions
Creeping Phlox
Phlox subulata forms a carpet of green leaves and cheerful white, pink or purple spring blooms around Husker Red.
Lamium
The silver and green leaves and white flowers of Lamium maculatum ‘White Nancy’ complement Husker Red well.
Snow-in-Summer
Cerastium tomentosum has fuzzy gray-green leaves and white blooms that pair beautifully with Husker Red.
Design Tips for Combinations
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Plant Husker Red in groups of 3, 5 or 7 for impact. Avoid dotting single plants.
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Combine with other drought-tolerant plants to reduce watering needs.
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Place it near paths so its fragrant blooms can be enjoyed up close.
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Mix plants of varying heights and habits for layered interest.
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Repeat its red and white colors for a cohesive look.
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Set off its upright shape with low growers like creeping phlox.
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Use it en masse as a backdrop for shorter flowering plants.
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Contrast its fine texture with bolder leaves like hosta.
Caring for Companion Plantings
Here are some tips for growing Husker Red and companion plants successfully:
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Provide at least 6 hours of sun for best growth and flowering.
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Garden in fertile, well-drained soil amended as needed.
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Water thoroughly only when soil dries out to avoid root rot.
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Apply an organic mulch around plants to maintain ideal soil conditions.
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Stake tall perennials for extra support if needed.
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Prune companions like catmint after blooming to encourage more flowers.
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Deadhead spent blooms for continuous flowering.
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Divide overgrown clumps of companions periodically to rejuvenate.
Eye-Catching Companion Combinations
Here are some delightful plant pairings to showcase Husker Red:
- Husker Red, Walker’s Low Catmint, Karl Foerster Grass
- Husker Red, Palace Purple Coral Bells, Shenandoah Switch Grass
- Husker Red, Disco Marigolds, Victoria Blue Salvia
- Husker Red, Dragon Wing Red Begonias, White Creeping Phlox
With its versatile nature, Penstemon Husker Red partners beautifully with many plants. Choose companions with contrasting colors and forms to make this perennial a true standout in your garden.
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FAQ
What plants go well with penstemons?
How big do Husker Red penstemons get?
Where is the best place to plant penstemons?
Is Penstemon a Husker Red?
Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ in bloom. Penstemon is a large genus of herbaceous perennials in the plantain family (Plantaginaceae) native to North America. Most are best suited for western climates where there are leaner soils and less humid conditions.
Is Husker Red a perennial?
‘Husker Red’ is a stunning, upright perennial boasting deep red to maroon leaves and stems. Its striking foliage is coupled with panicles of tubular, white flowers with a tinge of pale pink, offering a dramatic visual contrast. Native: The parent species, Penstemon digitalis, is native to North America.
Is Husker Red a hummingbird plant?
Uses: ‘Husker Red’ is ideal for perennial borders, mixed beds, and naturalistic or native plant gardens. Its striking foliage color and upright habit make it an excellent focal point or background plant. Pollinators: ‘Husker Red’ is attractive to various pollinators, especially bees, and hummingbirds, drawn to the nectar-rich flowers.
What happens if Penstemon rusts?
Rust can cause small, rust-colored pustules on leaves and stems, leading to defoliation and stunted growth. Properly growing Penstemon ensures robust, vibrant blooms and foliage, enhances garden biodiversity by attracting pollinators, prevents disease, and maintains plant health.
What does a Husker Red Flower look like?
One or more erect flower stalks emerge from the clustered rosettes, developing abundant flowers in panicles on the rigid deep purple stems. ‘Husker Red’ is more floriferous than the species. The tubular white flowers are up to 1¼ inches long, resembling the finger of a glove, emerging from the calyx with short, narrowly triangular lobes.
Is Husker Red native to North America?
Native: The parent species, Penstemon digitalis, is native to North America. ‘Husker Red’ is a cultivar developed for its ornamental attributes, but it maintains many characteristics of its native lineage. Plant Type and Habit: This clump-forming, semi-evergreen perennial maintains an upright habit.