Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red'

The lance-shaped, wine-red foliage of Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' emerges in spring to bring splendid contrast color to the garden. Panicles of two-lipped, tubular, white- to blush-pink flowers appear on upright stems in mid-spring, welcoming hummingbirds and other winged creatures. Come summer, the foliage of this Beard Tongue matures to green. Plants are North American natives that can handle a wide range of conditions from clay soil to dry periods. Deer generally avoid them. Named a Perennial Plant of the Year® from the Perennial Plant Association.

Penstemon is a very large genus of herbaceous perennials, most native to North America. Their colorful, tubular flowers are borne in profusion close to the stems and the nectar is relished by hummingbirds. Most species require well-drained or very well-drained soil and full sun.

We want our customers to receive strong, healthy plants that are ready to thrive in their gardens and homes. Here's what we'd like you to know about our shipping practices.

Delivery Timing

We aim to deliver your plants at as close to the proper time for planting in your area as possible. To do so, we consider the USDA Hardiness Zone to which we're shipping, current and forecasted weather at the destination and along the shipping route, and whether your plants are ready for transplant.

In spring, we ship first to the warmest regions and move north as planting conditions improve. For fall deliveries, we begin with the coolest regions and work south. We frequently adjust shipping schedules when extreme weather could put plants at risk while in transit or soon after arrival.

Because different plants reach readiness at different rates and are weather-sensitive in varying degree, a single order may be delivered via multiple shipments. Plants sold as part of a collection, or that are otherwise meant to arrive together, will be shipped together. Please contact our customer service team with two weeks' advance notice if you anticipate being away at the expected time of delivery. 

Tracking information for each package is delivered via email. 

Plant & Container Sizes

We deliver plants in various sizes and stages of growth, and the product detail pages of our website indicate the form and/or pot size in which the plant will be delivered. Pot sizes range from 1 pint to 1 gallon and larger. Many perennials, roses, shrubs and vines are delivered bareroot - that is, not in a container at all. Bulbs and tubers are generally delivered bareroot and fully dormant. We choose container sizes and delivery methods based on how each plant grows best, how we can minimize transplant shock, and how to minimize unnecessary bulk/weight in shipment. 

Caring for Your Plants Upon Arrival

It is important to acclimate greenhouse-grown plants to life outdoors. All plant shipments include simple instructions for handling your plants upon arrival. Further how-to information, including planting instructions, is available on each plant's product page.

Latin Name Pronunciation: pen'-steh-mon

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. Cut back hard after flowering. We find Beard Tongue grows more vigorously and reblooms more reliably if spent flowers are removed promptly.

At White Flower Farm, we stand firmly behind every product we sell and are proud to offer a money-back guarantee on each and every item offered on our website and at our store in Connecticut. Some modest terms and conditions apply, click here for details.

Should you have any questions about how our guarantee applies to a particular product or circumstance, our customer service team will be happy to help – please contact us at (800) 411-6159 or [email protected].