Native Plant Trust

Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red Improved'

Husker Red foxglove beardtongue

Penstemon is well known for a tough-as-nails, grow-anywhere attitude. The white flowers are large compared to other Penstemon species' blooms, and the plant re-blooms nicely with deadheading, though the seed heads make great visual interest in fall and winter with their chandelier-like configuration. 'Husker's Red Improved' is a refinement of Dr. Dale Lindgren's 'Husker's Red' cultivar, released in 1983 out of Nebraska (the name likely references the Cornhuskers football team at the Universtiy of Nebraska, where Lindgren was a professor of mathematics). This cultivar has been highly praised and widely used ever since. Plant in full sun for the best leaf color; this plant will tolerate dry and clay soils, and may seed out somewhat aggressively, so site accordingly!

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Height: 3-5 ft
Spread: 1-2 ft
Hardiness Zone: 3-8


Characteristics & Attributes

Cultivation Status
Cultivar
Exposure
Sun
Part Shade
Soil Moisture
Average
Dry
Ecoregion
Not Ecotypic in New England
Ornamental Interest
Spring Bloom
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts Bees
Attracts Butterflies
Tolerance
Drought Tolerant
Urban Environment
Additional Attributes
Low Maintenance
Landscape Use
Massing
Specimen


North American Distribution


Husker Red foxglove beardtongue - Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red Improved' from Native Plant Trust