
Light Needs

Mature Height

Mature Spread

Growing Zones
Husker Red Beardtongue is a dazzling low-maintenance perennial that will stand out in a landscape. Deep red foliage has hints of purple and slightly bends at the midrib. The leaves grow in clumps on color-coordinated upright stems. Lovely white flowers with pink accents bloom from June through July and have a tubular structure and notched rounded edges. By fall, the Penstemon digitalis Husker Red goes to seed and serves as a food source for small birds.
This plant has upright stems and a mounded growth habit. Feature this beauty in beds, borders, or containers. Cover a foundation wall or add unexpected color to a landscape. Husker Red Beardtongue is a native plant, so give it time to acclimate, and this plant will not need much care. Butterflies and hummingbirds are drawn to the unique blooms. This easy-to-grow plant is a perennial in USDA zones 4 through 8.
Husker Red Beardtongue Care
Plant in partial to full sun. Water weekly, although plants in containers or warm climates will need water more frequently. Soil should be rich and well-drained. This plant is not a heavy feeder, especially in rich soil. A single application of balanced fertilizer each spring will support new foliage and blooms.
Remove the seed pods to prevent the plant from self-seeding, or leave the seed pods in place so they can serve as a food source for small birds. Trim the growth by one-third after the flowers fade and trim back all growth after the first frost. Divide the plant every few years as needed.
Husker Red Beardtongue Spacing
This upright plant will grow 24 to 30 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart to create a dense planting.
Husker Red Beardtongue Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8 |
Plant Type: Perennials |
Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 24 - 30 Inches |
Mature Spread: 18 - 24 Inches |
Spacing: 18 - 24 Inches |
Habit: Mounded |
Flower Color(s): White |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: June through July |
Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
Foliage Color(s): Red |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Containers, Mass Planting, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Low Maintenance, Native to North America, Award Winner |
Brand: American Beauties Native Plants |
Common Name: Husker Red Beardtongue |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: PENSTEMON DIGITALIS `HUSKER RED` |
- SKU:
- 1231003339-pc
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
All bushes, perennials & trees come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.

Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.