Penstemon digitalis Dakota Burgundy (Beardtongue)

Penstemon Dakota Burgundy is a notable perennial prized for its rich, burgundy foliage that provides a dramatic backdrop for its lavender to violet flowers. Hardy and drought-tolerant, it is excellent for adding a splash of color to borders or rock gardens and stands out in container plantings.

Penstemon Dakota Burgundy: An In-depth Look

Native: While Penstemons are predominantly native to North America, Dakota Burgundy is a cultivar developed for specific horticultural traits, thus not native to a specific region.

Plant Type and Habit: This semi-evergreen perennial exhibits a compact, upright habit with a clumping form, making it a well-structured plant that adds depth and dimension to garden spaces.

Size: Dakota Burgundy grows to an average height of 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) and a spread of 18 inches (45 cm), presenting a balanced and compact shape that fits well in borders or as a stand-alone specimen.

Flowers: Its lavender to violet blossoms are tubular and large, attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds.

Bloom Time: The blooming period for Dakota Burgundy is relatively long, beginning in early summer and often extending into early fall.

Foliage: Dakota Burgundy is celebrated for its unique, deep burgundy leaves that maintain their color throughout the growing season. The foliage is lance-shaped, presenting a dense, lush appearance that contrasts beautifully with the plant’s lavender flowers, adding a distinct visual interest to any garden setting.

Uses: It’s used primarily for ornamental purposes due to its striking foliage and attractive flowers. It’s perfect for borders, mass plantings, or as an accent plant in city gardens, coastal gardens, rock gardens, cottage gardens, rain gardens or prairie plantings. Good as cut flowers, too!

Pollinators: Penstemon is attractive to various pollinators, especially bees, and hummingbirds, drawn to their nectar-rich flowers.

Toxicity: Penstemon Dakota Burgundy isn’t known for being toxic to humans or pets. Still, it’s always good practice to prevent ingestion and supervise pets and young children in any garden setting.

Deer and Rabbit: Penstemon Dakota Burgundy is generally resistant to deer and rabbits, which tend to bypass it for more palatable plants.

Drought: Once established, Dakota Burgundy has a good level of drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping.

Penstemon Growing Tips

Light: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sun per day).

Soil: Fertile, well-drained loams, clay loam, sand soil. Avoid overly moist, poorly drained soils.

Water: Water well until plants are established. Once established, this Penstemon tolerates occasional drought and flooding. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Over-watering or wet soils can lead to root rot.

Fertilizer: Penstemon plants generally do not require heavy fertilization and can thrive in relatively lean soil conditions. However, providing them with a light application of an organic fertilizer in the fall can help boost their growth and flowering potential.

Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Cut back plants in late autumn or early spring to promote vigorous growth.

Mulching: Mulching Penstemon can help regulate ground temperature and suppress weed growth. Choose a mulch that does not hold water. Use organic materials like shredded bark, compost, or pine straw. Avoiding direct contact with the stems to prevent rot and pest issues.

Propagation: Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, semi-hardwood cuttings in midsummer, or by division in spring

Pests and Diseases: No serious pest or disease issues, but watch for slugs, snails, and nematodes. Fungal diseases can occur in overly wet conditions; ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent issues like powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Rust can cause small, rust-colored pustules on leaves and stems, leading to defoliation and stunted growth.