PENSTEMON digitalis Midnight Masquerade

Penstemon Digitalis 'Midnight Masquerade' Overview

Penstemon digitalis 'Midnight Masquerade' is a stunning perennial known for its striking deep purple foliage and vibrant lavender-purple flowers. This eye-catching plant adds a dramatic flair to any garden, offering both visual appeal and pollinator attraction. As a hardy and low-maintenance plant, it is perfect for gardeners of all experience levels who want to add some color and texture to their landscape. Its upright growth habit and tall flower spikes make it a standout choice for borders, mass plantings, and mixed garden beds.

The 'Midnight Masquerade' variety is part of the beardtongue family, known for its tubular flowers that are highly attractive to hummingbirds and bees. The plant blooms from early to mid-summer, providing a long-lasting display of color that enhances the garden's aesthetic appeal. Its unique foliage color and flower shape make it a popular choice for adding contrast and interest to any garden design.

Key Features

• Botanical Name: Penstemon digitalis 'Midnight Masquerade'
• Common Name: Beardtongue
• Foliage Color: Deep purple
• Flower Color: Lavender-purple
• Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer
• Height: 90 cm to 100 cm (35 to 39 inches)
• Spread: 45 cm to 60 cm (18 to 24 inches)
• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 3-8

Benefits of Growing Penstemon Digitalis 'Midnight Masquerade'

Growing Penstemon digitalis 'Midnight Masquerade' offers numerous benefits for both novice and experienced gardeners. Here are some key advantages of incorporating this plant into your landscape:

• Pollinator Friendly: The tubular flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, promoting pollination and supporting local wildlife.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it an excellent choice for busy gardeners.
• Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can withstand periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
• Deer Resistant: Its tough foliage and flowers are less appealing to deer, making it a good choice for areas with deer populations.
• Versatile Use: Suitable for a variety of garden settings, including borders, rock gardens, and wildflower meadows.

How to Plant and Care for Penstemon Digitalis 'Midnight Masquerade'

Planting Instructions

1. Choose the Right Location: Select a site that receives full sun to partial shade. Ensure the soil is well-draining, as Penstemon prefers not to sit in waterlogged conditions.

2. Prepare the Soil: Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, to improve drainage and nutrient content.

3. Planting: Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with soil and firm gently.

4. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

Maintenance Tips

Proper maintenance ensures your Penstemon digitalis 'Midnight Masquerade' remains healthy and vibrant. Follow these tips for optimal care:

Watering

• Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, water deeply during dry spells.
• Method: Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage continued blooming and prevent self-seeding.
• End-of-Season Care: Cut back stems to ground level in late fall or early spring to tidy up the plant and promote new growth.

Fertilizing

• Timing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth.
• Amount: Follow package instructions to avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Pest and Disease Control

• Monitoring: Regularly check for signs of pests, such as aphids or spider mites, and treat with insecticidal soap if necessary.
• Disease Prevention: Ensure good air circulation around the plants to prevent fungal diseases. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of powdery mildew.

Designing with Penstemon Digitalis 'Midnight Masquerade'

Companion Planting

Penstemon digitalis 'Midnight Masquerade' pairs well with other perennials and ornamental grasses. Consider planting alongside:

• Echinacea: For a complementary burst of color and similar care requirements.
• Salvia: To attract more pollinators and add contrast to your garden design.
• Grasses: Such as Miscanthus or Festuca for texture and movement in the garden.

Landscaping Ideas

• Borders and Edges: Use Penstemon as a striking border plant to define garden edges.
• Mixed Beds: Combine with other perennials for a diverse and colorful garden bed.
• Wildflower Gardens: Incorporate into naturalistic planting schemes to support pollinators and wildlife.

Conclusion

Penstemon digitalis 'Midnight Masquerade' is a versatile and beautiful addition to any garden. Its unique combination of deep purple foliage and vibrant flowers makes it a standout choice for enhancing garden aesthetics and supporting pollinators. With its low-maintenance requirements and adaptability to various garden settings, this perennial is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add color, texture, and ecological benefits to their landscape.

Visit our garden centre to explore our selection of Penstemon digitalis 'Midnight Masquerade' and discover how this stunning perennial can transform your garden into a haven of beauty and biodiversity

• Size
  3 Litre

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Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
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