What spacing should I use for Husker Red Penstemon? (Required)

For most landscapes, space Husker Red Penstemon 12–18 inches apart. Since mature width is listed as up to 12 inches, 12-inch spacing gives a fuller, faster “mass planting” look and helps the burgundy foliage read as a continuous design band. If you’re planting into a mixed border with other perennials and want more airflow and easier maintenance, use 15–18 inches. That extra room helps keep stems strong, reduces competition, and makes deadheading and seasonal cleanup simpler.

Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ clump-forming habit, deep burgundy leaves with upright growth to 30–36 inches tall.

Images Depict Mature Plants

Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ (Husker Red Penstemon

Q: When does Husker Red Penstemon bloom, and what color are the flowers?

Husker Red Penstemon blooms in early summer, sending up upright spikes of white, tubular, two-lipped flowers that stand out sharply against the dark stems and foliage. In many gardens, bloom runs for weeks and feels especially valuable because it hits that “early-season gap” between spring bulbs and peak summer perennials. For the longest show, deadhead spent spikes as flowers fade and keep the plant in good light. Strong sun and good drainage generally produce sturdier stems and a cleaner, more floriferous display.

Q: How fast does Husker Red Penstemon grow, and how big will it get?

This is a vigorous, upright perennial that establishes quickly when planted in the right spot. Garden Goods Direct lists mature size at 30–36 inches tall and up to 12 inches wide, making it a perfect vertical accent without a bulky footprint. Expect the plant to bulk up into a fuller clump over time rather than sprawling outward aggressively. If you want a stronger mass effect sooner, plant in groups and use the tighter end of the spacing recommendations.

Q: Is Husker Red Penstemon good for pollinators and hummingbirds?

Yes—Husker Red is widely recognized for attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators, thanks to its tubular flowers and early-season nectar value. It’s a simple way to add meaningful wildlife activity to a perennial border without changing your whole planting style. For maximum pollinator impact, plant it near other nectar plants that overlap bloom windows (salvia, coneflower, catmint, asters) so your garden offers food across the season—not just for a few weeks.

Q: Is Husker Red Penstemon deer resistant?

Husker Red Penstemon is commonly listed as deer resistant, which is one reason it’s so popular for front-yard beds and rural landscapes. Deer pressure varies by region and season, but this is typically a lower-preference plant compared to many tender flowering perennials. If browsing is heavy, “deer resistant” still isn’t “deer proof.” Pair Husker Red with other deer-resistant companions and keep new plantings well-watered (stress can make some plants more appealing).

Q: Can Husker Red Penstemon grow in containers or on slopes?

Yes—with the right setup. In containers, use a high-quality potting mix and a pot with excellent drainage, because penstemons dislike wet roots. Treat it like a “thriller” element: its upright stems add height and structure, while companion plants fill around it. On slopes, it can be a strong performer because drainage is naturally better. Just make sure the planting hole is amended enough to hold moisture during establishment, then water deeply until roots knit into the soil.

Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red'

If you want a perennial that earns its keep, Husker Red Penstemon is the real deal: burgundy foliage that makes your beds look designed, plus bright white blooms that pull in hummingbirds and pollinators right when the garden needs a boost. It’s narrow, upright, and clump-forming—so it slides into borders beautifully without taking over. Plant it in sun with well-drained soil, water it well until established, and you’ve got a tough, reliable performer you’ll be happy you bought.

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Woodies Root Booster Fertilizer

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Espoma Flower-Tone

Choose Husker Red Penstemon for Bold Burgundy Contrast + Pollinator Power

With tall red spikes that stand up in a perennial border, the Husker Red Penstemon is an essential native plant for any cottage garden.

Plant with bright leaf plants that will make this perennial stand out in the dark spring color. The white blooms are two-lipped and tubular, reminiscent of the popular perennial Foxglove. Hummingbirds love Penstemon.

Growzone: 3-10

Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ (Husker Red Penstemon Hardiness Zones 3-10

Hardiness Zone:	3-10
Mature Height:	30 to 36 Inches
Mature Width:	Up to 12 Inches wide
Classification:	Perennial
Sunlight:	Partial to full sun
Bloom Time / Color:	Early summer / white
Soil Condition:	Average, well draining
Water Requirements:	Water well until established.
Resistance	Deer resistant
Wildlife Value	Attracts pollinators; hummingbirds love it
Landscape Uses:	Focal point in mixed borders, mass planting

How to Care for Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ (Husker Red Penstemon

Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Husker Red Penstemon plant for years to come!

How should I plant Husker Red Penstemon?

Start by choosing a sunny site (full sun to partial sun) with well-draining soil. Dig a hole about 2× as wide as the pot and just as deep. Gently loosen circling roots, set the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil, then backfill and water deeply to settle everything in. For best establishment, amend heavy clay with compost to improve drainage and structure, and avoid low spots that stay wet. Finish with a 2–3 inch mulch layer (keep mulch off the crown) to reduce weeds and stabilize soil moisture—especially important during the first season.

How often should I water Husker Red Penstemon after planting?

Right after planting, give it a slow, deep soak. For the first 2–4 weeks, water when the top couple of inches of soil start to dry—typically 2–3 times per week in hot weather and less often in cool/rainy periods. The goal is steady moisture while roots expand, not soggy soil. After the first growing season, switch to deep, occasional watering during extended dry spells. Husker Red performs best when it isn’t “babied” with constant light watering—good drainage plus deep watering produces sturdier growth and better flowering over time.

When should I fertilize Husker Red Penstemon?

Feed in early spring as growth begins, using a balanced slow-release fertilizer to support strong stems and healthy foliage. Garden Goods Direct also recommends a second feeding in midsummer, after new growth has hardened off and the plant begins setting buds. If you prefer an organic route, top-dress with compost and use a gentle, organic fertilizer (such as a flower-tone blend) rather than high-sodium quick feeds. The goal is steady, sustainable nutrition—not a surge of soft growth that can reduce resilience.

When and how should I prune Husker Red Penstemon?

Deadhead spent flower spikes as blooms fade to keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage continued performance. For seasonal cleanup, cut back after flowering and remove tired stems; in colder climates, many gardeners wait until late winter/early spring for the main cutback. Husker Red reliably blooms on new growth, so do your major pruning late winter to very early spring before growth starts—often right down close to the base (or to several inches above the ground). Avoid stimulating tender new growth by pruning in early fall in cold regions.