Dark Towers Beardtongue
Penstemon digitalis 'Dark Towers'Dark Towers Beardtongue is a striking upright perennial prized for its dramatic burgundy-purple foliage and tall spikes of soft lavender, tubular flowers. Emerging in spring with rich dark leaves that retain their color throughout the growing season, this cultivar provides bold contrast even before blooming begins. In late spring to early summer, elegant flower stalks rise above the foliage, carrying numerous pale pink blossoms that create an eye-catching display while adding height and movement to the landscape. The colorful foliage continues to provide ornamental interest long after flowering has finished.
Typically growing 3′ – 4′ (ft) tall with a spread of 2′ – 3′ (ft), Dark Towers develops a tidy, upright clump that integrates beautifully into mixed perennial borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator plantings. The dark foliage pairs exceptionally well with plants featuring silver, yellow, or chartreuse leaves, creating dramatic combinations in sunny landscapes. Its sturdy stems also make the flowers suitable for fresh cut arrangements.
Dark Towers performs best in full sun and well-drained soil, where it develops the strongest stems and richest foliage color. Once established, it exhibits excellent tolerance to drought, heat, and poor soils, making it a dependable low-maintenance perennial for challenging sites. Removing spent flower stalks can improve appearance and may encourage additional blooms, while leaving the basal foliage intact helps maintain its attractive form throughout the season.
Care Instructions:
Planting: Plant in full sun in well-drained soil.
Soil: Prefers Clay, Loam, or Sand soils.
Watering: Water regularly during establishment. Penstemon are drought-tolerant once mature.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring if needed.
Pruning: Remove spent flower stalks after blooming and cut back old growth in late winter or early spring.
Spacing: Space 2′ – 3′ (ft) apart for mature growth.
Maintenance: Requires minimal care and benefits from occasional cleanup of spent stems to maintain a neat appearance and encourage healthy new growth.
The nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, honeybees, and other pollinators. With its colorful foliage, graceful flower spikes, and dependable garden performance, Dark Towers Beardtongue offers long-lasting visual appeal and valuable wildlife benefits in a wide variety of landscape settings.
