Botanical Name: Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’

Common Name: Beardtongue

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Most Climates (USDA Zones 3–8)

Size: 28–36" Tall × 18–24" Wide

Growth Habit: Upright, Clump-Forming

Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Sun

Soil: Well-Drained Soil; Tolerates Poor or Rocky Soils

Water Needs: Low to Moderate; Drought Tolerant Once Established

Bloom Season: Late Spring to Early Summer

Fertilizer: Minimal; Avoid Excess Fertility

Features: Deep Burgundy-Red Foliage, Soft White to Pale Pink Flowers, Excellent Contrast Plant, Deer Resistant, Pollinator Friendly

Uses: Perennial Borders, Native Gardens, Pollinator Gardens, Mixed Beds, Cut Flower Gardens

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: ✔ Propagation Allowed

More About Penstemon ‘Husker Red’ (Beardtongue)

Penstemon ‘Husker Red’ is one of those plants I rely on when I want foliage to do just as much work as the flowers. The deep red to burgundy leaves emerge early and hold their color beautifully through the season, giving the plant presence long before it blooms. When the flowers arrive in late spring, they rise above the foliage on airy spikes of soft white to pale pink blooms, creating a contrast that always catches the eye.

The bloom itself is elegant rather than flashy, which makes Husker Red easy to mix with other perennials. I like that it doesn’t overwhelm neighboring plants but still provides structure and movement. Once flowering is finished, the foliage continues to carry the planting, which is something I always look for in a perennial.

Husker Red prefers full sun and well-drained soil and actually performs best when conditions aren’t overly rich. It’s drought tolerant once established and handles heat well, as long as drainage is good. In heavier soils, I’ve found that raised beds or slight elevation make all the difference.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

At Garden Delivery, Penstemon ‘Husker Red’ has been a consistent performer year after year. In our trials, it came back reliably, held strong foliage color through summer, and didn’t flop or thin out the way some penstemons can. The flowers drew steady pollinator activity, especially from bees, without attracting deer.

I also appreciate how flexible it is in design. It works just as well in more natural, native-style plantings as it does in cleaner perennial borders. For gardeners who want long-season interest with very little maintenance, Husker Red is one of the easiest penstemons to recommend.

Husker Red vs. Other Penstemons

Husker Red stands apart from the others because it earns its place on foliage first, flowers second. Compared to Red Riding Hood, which is all about bold bloom color, Husker Red offers softer flowers but far more season-long structure. When set next to Rock Candy® Varieties like Blue and Ruby, Husker Red feels taller and more architectural, while the Rock Candy varieties stay compact and refined. The burgundy foliage gives Husker Red visual weight even after bloom, something the others don’t offer to the same degree. It’s less about pop and more about presence. I use Husker Red when I want a mixed planting to hold together visually all season, not just during bloom.