Smooth Penstemon Cultivar

Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red'

$24.00
USDA Zones 5–8 Full Sun Matures 2–3 Feet

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Healthy-arrival guarantee Free shipping over $150
Roots wrapped in moist soil and padded for safe transit
Grown and shipped from our nursery in Aiken, SC
Shipping later in the season? Schedule your delivery date in your cart.
The Full Story

Penstemon digitalis is a fine perennial native to the eastern United States. It has tubular white flowers on a panicle held above the leaves in early to mid-summer. 'Husker Red' is a selection developed at the University of Nebraska. It is similar to the native species but with red foliage and flowers that may be pinkish. A good plant for the sunny irrigated bed or border. Designated Plant of the Year in 1996 by the Perennial Plant Association.
Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 5–8
Sun
Full Sun
Soil
Well-drained
Mature size
Height 2–3 Feet · Spread 15–18 Inches
Growth rate
Moderate
Seasonality
Evergreen
Flower, Fruit & Foliage

light pink flower spires

Flowers
Tubular white bells, now and then blushed with pink, carried in open panicles well above the foliage through early and mid summer. Each holds the small bearded staminode that earns the beardtongues their name, and the stand draws bees and the occasional hummingbird. Against the dark leaves below, the white reads especially clean.

Foliage
The signature, and the reason for the name. Glossy maroon to deep burgundy leaves, a wine-dark basal rosette running up the stems, holding their color best in full sun and the cool of spring and fall. The selection was made at the University of Nebraska and went on to be named Perennial Plant of the Year, on the strength of that foliage as much as the bloom.

Fruit
Dry seed capsules follow, ripening tan and standing through winter on rigid stems, good for the look of the cold months and for the seedlings they scatter at their feet.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

Woodlanders Growing Process

Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.

Sustainable Growing Practices

Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
Grown in Aiken, South Carolina
At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders
Healthy plants, ready to thrive
Success, made simple
Healthy plants, ready to thrive

Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.

Read the care guide
Also found in
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.