Penstemon Digitalis

Penstemon Digitalis Care

Penstemon Digitalis

What is the plant

Penstemon digitalis is a clump-forming, Missouri-native perennial which typically grows 3-5' tall and occurs in prairies, fields, wood margins, open woods and along railroad tracks. Features white, two-lipped, tubular flowers (to 1.25" long) borne in panicles atop erect, rigid stems.

If you’ve recognized any mistakes feel free to notify us about it. This would help us to provide only the best-quality information.

Humidity

High

Lighting

Full Sun

Hardiness zone

3 - 8

Difficulty

Easy

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Although not as drought tolerant as cactus, many species do grow well in desert-like climates.
Pruning
Deadheading to remove dried stalks in fall will allow the lovely purplish rosettes to function as a winter groundcover. Penstemons need little pruning, but removing the stems after flowering is complete will often promote new foliage growth and a second flush of blooms. Deadheading will also prolong flowering, but be sure to leave a few seed heads on the stalks toward the end of the season so your plants can reseed.
Fertilizer
Fertilize lightly when planting and then never again. Over fertilizing Penstemons leads to excessive die back in the winter.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

Ease your plant care routine with PlantIn's personalized system.

Sunlight
Prefers full sun to part shade such as clearings within forests, woods' edges, and savannas. It is very easy to grow from seed.
Soil
Most penstemon prefer fertile, well-drained soil.
Temperature
Ideal temperatures should be approximately 65-75ºF + (18-24ºC +), closer to 70ºF is best.