1 / 4

Key characteristics

Family: Plantaginaceae
Height: 30–36 inches
Width: 18-24 inches
Flower color: Lavender to violet to pink
Foliage color: Deep red to bronze, maturing to dark green
Bloom time: Early to mid-summer
Light: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low; remove spent flowers to encourage rebloom; cut back in late winter or early spring
Growing zone: USDA zones 3–8
Wildlife: Attracts hummingbirds

Perennials

Penstemon digitalis 'Dakota Burgundy'

Dakota Burgundy Beardtongue

Penstemon digitalis 'Dakota Burgundy' is a compact, bushy perennial that blooms from early to mid-summer, producing tubular flowers in shades of lavender, violet, and pink. Originating from hybridization efforts involving native beardtongues such as Penstemon digitalis and Penstemon calycosus, this cultivar was introduced by Terra Nova Nurseries in Oregon.

The plant features glossy, purple-black foliage that matures to dark green, providing year-round visual interest.

Light

Full sun

Water

Medium

Bloom time

Early to mid-summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Sun Gardens
Hummingbird Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Coreopsis · Bearded irises · Bee balm · Yarrow · Ornamental grasses · Garden phlox

Design tip

Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. In full sun it holds its shape best, and grouping several together keeps the color strong enough to be seen from across the garden.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)