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Penstemon 'Prairie Dusk'

Image of Penstemon 'Prairie Dusk'

Yoder Brothers

Family

Scrophulariaceae

Botanical Name

Penstemon 'Prairie Dusk'

Plant Common Name

Hybrid Beardtongue, Prairie Dusk Hybrid Beardtongue

General Description

A product of the penstemon breeding program of the University of Nebraska, this compact and distinctly sophisticated rose-violet-flowered perennial is a hybrid of ‘Flathead Lake,’ which figures in the ancestry of many of the finest western garden penstemons. A dalliance with the Rocky Mountain native Penstemon strictus produced this truly superior cultivar, whose spires of sharkshead-shaped flowers appear from late spring into summer. The knee-high flower stems arise from an evergreen basal rosette of lance-shaped leaves.

A favorite of hummingbirds, this sun-loving perennial likes relatively dry conditions, faring poorly in damp sites and climates. Neutral to alkaline soil of moderate to low fertility suits it best – no fertilizer is required. Prompt deadheading is essential for longevity and extended bloom. Use it for early summer color in the perennial border or cottage garden, or combine it with other drought-tolerant plants in raised beds, mounds or slopes.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    3 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 10, 11, 12, 13

  • Plant Type

    Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    18"-20" / 45.7cm - 50.8cm

  • Width

    15"-18" / 38.1cm - 45.7cm

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring, Summer

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Purple, Rose, Violet

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Alpine, Container, Cutflower, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Wildflower

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Hummingbirds, Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    No