Terra Nova
Penstemon 'Dark Towers' (36 cell half tray)
Glossy bronze-red foliage is topped with masses of pink flowers in July and August. Compared to 'Husker's Red', this beauty has much darker foliage which stays darker. Dale Lindgren of University of Nebraska created this dark leaf ultra-hardy, pink flowering form. A tough, carefree plant which tolerates high heat and humidity. A perfect dark background plant for the border.
USDA Hardiness Zone(s): 3-8
Size (HT/W/FL HT): 33″ / 30″ / 36″
Exposure: Full Sun
Bloom Time(s): July, August
| US Patent # | PP20013 |
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Growing Guides
Click here to access our comprehensive growing guides containing everything you need to know about this crop.
| Common Name | Penstemon, Beardtongues |
| Genus | Penstemon |
| Species | hybrid |
| Family | Scrophulariaceae |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Format | Perennial Plugs |
| Plug Care | Harden off and plant out or bump up into larger pots soon after receiving plugs. |
| Netting / Staking | Not necessary. |
| Temperature Range | Hardiness Zones 6-9 (likely hardy in zone 5) |
| Spacing | 16-18" |
| Soil Preference | Average fertility, moist but well draining soil is essential. Allow the soil to dry moderately between waterings. The addition of compost and pelleted fertilizer is recommended pre-planting, or regular liquid fertilizer applications through the growing season. |
| Day Length | Day-neutral plants, plant in full sun. |
| Pinching | Do not pinch. |
| When to Plant | Plant in the spring after all threat of frost has passed. Can be planted through the season into late summer/early fall. Plants need some time to establish a root system before the onset of winter weather. |
| Harvesting | Harvest stems when 1/3 of the flowers are open - additional buds will open in the vase. |
| Post Harvest Care | Cut stems should immediately be placed into cool water. Expect a vase life of approximately one week. The use of a floral preservative will help maximize vase life. |
| Diseases / Insects | Watch for the typical plant pests such as aphids - penstemon are generally pest and disease free. If planted in an area with poor drainage or if mulched too heavily, crown rot can occur. |
| Bailey's Notes | Keep flowers cut or deadheaded to prolong the bloom window. Penstemon typically have a flowering window of a month, but the new and improved hybrids from Terra Nova reportedly bloom continuously from early summer through to frost! |
| Resources | Growing Penstemon |
Order Minimums and Tray Sizes
All TERRA NOVA® plugs are grown in a 36 cell half tray. The minimum order is 6 total half trays (an combination of varieties).
Orders for multiple ship weeks must be placed separately.
Patents & Plant Tags
Unauthorized propagation of varieties that are patented is strictly prohibited.
If you are purchasing these plugs with the intent to resell them, you must also purchase tags. Upon adding items to your cart, you will be prompted to add tags for each plant in the order, at the cost of $0.13 per tag. This is applied to your entire order.