The nursery approaches jungle lushness by the end of June. Water conservation-minded gardeners will want to include North American Penstemons in their gardens. They are a tough genus and are especially garden-worthy for their ability to withstand drought and thrive in lean, sharply drained soils. This is an eastern species that grows larger and tolerates more moisture and shade and richer soil than its western cousins. As the name implies, this selection has burgundy foliage, most pronounced on the new growth.
New sprouts emerge from the base as the flowers fade, ready for next year's display.
Wait until the old flower stems begin to wither before cutting them, as sometimes water will get in the cut stems and damage the plants if done too early. The numerous flowers occur in threes and wrap around the upper third of stems with attractive, sharply toothed foliage below. Give it a lean sunny position in the middle of the border. This crop is grown from plants from the MS area, shared by Peter Loos. Native to LA, TX and AK, it inhabits poorly drained areas, but adapts well to average soils.