Penstemon Digitalis
Penstemon digitalis
Penstemon digitalis is a graceful, clump-forming native North American perennial wildflower celebrated for its tall, elegant spikes of white, tubular, two-lipped flowers in late spring and early summer. It symbolizes boldness, openness, and the quiet strength of native flora, and is one of the finest beardtongues for garden cultivation.
Plantaginaceae (Plantain family)
Late spring to early summer (May to July); one of the earliest-blooming native penstemons
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: snowbrush ceanothuss and sidalcea oreganas also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
The genus name Penstemon derives from the Latin paene (almost or nearly) and the Greek stemon (stamen), referring to the flower's characteristic fifth, sterile stamen, called the staminode, which is often bearded or hairy and gives the entire genus its common name beardtongue. The species name digitalis means finger-like and references the resemblance of the tubular flowers to those of true foxglove (Digitalis purpurea). Penstemon digitalis is one of the approximately 250 species in one of the largest genera of flowering plants entirely native to North America. In the growing movement toward native plant gardening and ecological landscaping in the United States, beardtongues have become flagship plants, representing the extraordinary beauty that existed in North American landscapes long before the arrival of European garden plants. Penstemon digitalis in particular has become a symbol of native plant advocacy and the rewarding practice of supporting biodiversity in the home garden.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to light shade; best flowering in full sun; tolerates partial shade without becoming unduly leggy
Water
Low to moderate; notable drought tolerance once established; avoid waterlogged soils, especially in winter, which cause crown rot
Soil
Well-drained, Average to dry, Tolerates clay if well-drained, Neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6.0-7.5)
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun; wet winter soil is the primary cause of plant loss and root rot
Deadhead after the main flush of blooms to encourage a second wave of smaller flower spikes
Cut back to basal foliage after blooming to keep plants tidy and stimulate fresh rosette growth
The cultivar Husker Red, with its striking maroon-red foliage and pinkish-white flowers, is among the most widely grown forms and received the Perennial Plant of the Year award in 1996
Propagate by division in early spring, or by seed sown in autumn with cold stratification for best germination
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Native prairie and meadow plantings
- Perennial border mid-ground plantings
- Cottage and informal garden accents
- Pollinator and hummingbird gardens
- Rain gardens and dry border plantings
Traditional Uses
- No significant established medicinal uses for Penstemon digitalis; the plant is grown primarily for ornamental and ecological value in native gardens
- Some indigenous peoples used related Penstemon species in traditional medicine for minor skin and digestive conditions, but P. digitalis is not a primary medicinal plant
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Penstemon Digitalis
Is Penstemon digitalis a native plant?
Yes, Penstemon digitalis is native to eastern and central North America, growing naturally in prairies, open woodlands, and roadsides from New England and southern Canada southward to the Gulf Coast. It is an important native plant for supporting pollinators and is widely promoted in native plant and ecological gardening movements.
What is the Husker Red penstemon?
Husker Red is the most famous cultivar of Penstemon digitalis, selected by Dale Lindgren at the University of Nebraska in the 1980s. It features striking maroon-red foliage that provides season-long ornamental interest and pale pinkish-white flowers. It was named the Perennial Plant Association Perennial Plant of the Year in 1996 and remains one of the most widely planted native perennials in American gardens.
Does Penstemon digitalis attract hummingbirds?
Yes, Penstemon digitalis is an excellent hummingbird plant. Its tubular, two-lipped flowers are well-suited to hummingbird feeding, and the plants are reliably visited during the late spring and early summer bloom season. They also attract native bees, bumblebees, and butterflies, making them outstanding for pollinator gardens.
Why did my Penstemon digitalis die in winter?
The most common cause of winter loss is waterlogged soil. Penstemon digitalis is drought tolerant but very sensitive to wet roots in cold weather, which causes crown rot. Plant in the best-drained soil available, avoid low-lying or clay sites that hold water in winter, and do not cut back plants too hard in autumn, as the remaining foliage helps protect the crown.
How do I deadhead Penstemon digitalis?
Cut the main flowering stems back to a set of basal leaves or side shoots after the flowers fade. This removes the seed source, keeps the plant looking tidy, and often encourages secondary flower spikes to develop later in summer. Leaving some seed heads on the plant will allow birds to harvest the seeds and provides a small amount of self-seeding in the garden.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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Sidalcea oregana
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The Obedient Plant produces spikes of tubular flowers that can be moved and stay in position, hence its name. This native North American perennial symbolizes flexibility, adaptability, and gentle compliance.