'Midnight Masquerade' Beardtongue Penstemon hybrid

This plant has been gorgeous this spring/early summer! I planted six last spring, not quite knowing what to expect; they far beat my expectations! They survived two torrential rainstorms last week, one of them dumping 1.5" in less than 1 hour. They are still standing tall and beautiful. All 6 weathered the frigid winter with significant snow accumulation in West Michigan. Several neighbors and friends have stopped to comment on their beauty and ask what they are. I added three more to my collection yesterday and will most likely add more. They look brilliant behind Appletini Heuchera and in front go Lemony Lace Elderberry!

I bought this plant last summer in a medium size can after months of admiring it garden answer videos. It put on a small show but I mostly enjoyed it for its foliage. Considering that I planted it during a high heat period, with very little rain it held its own; but the bed that its in is full of white-petaled penstemon that were here when I moved in, so I was confident of the conditions. This spring I was delighted to see much larger clump than I planted emerge from its winter slumber. The wine colored foliage truly stands out. The delicate violet blooms are absolutely gorgeous. I love this plant and I’m looking for other places to tuck her in.

I planted this plant for the first time last year. It was beautiful, but couldn't withstand the cold during the winter. If I plant it again, which I very well may, I'll treat it as an annual.