Professional Growing Information I trialed two of these as part of a water conservation native plant collection 2 years ago in Athens, Georgia. They were large plants when planted, and they survived very well during drought as well as the 11 degree cold this past winter. The attractive purple foliage remains all winter, then new foliage appears with the flower stalks in spring - it is lovely all year round. The voracious deer haven't touched it. This one is a definite 'winner', and more will be planted in the pollinator garden.
'Midnight Masquerade' Beardtongue Penstemon hybrid
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Details
Features
The perfect landscape perennial! Deep burgundy purple leaves look attractive all season long and form a tall, full and refined habit. Rich lavender purple flowers with pure white interiors top the foliage on dark stems.
Award WinnerFoliage InterestDrought TolerantSalt TolerantAttracts:BeesHummingbirdsNative to North AmericaCharacteristics
Plant Type:PerennialHeight Category:MediumGarden Height:36 - 40 InchesSpacing:28 - 32 InchesSpread:28 - 32 InchesFlower Colors:PurpleFlower Colors:WhiteFlower Shade:Lavender purple with white interiorsFoliage Colors:PurpleFoliage Shade:Deep eggplant purpleHabit:UprightContainer Role:ThrillerPlant Needs
Light Requirement:SunThe optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours).
Maintenance Category:EasyBloom Time:Early SummerBloom Time:Mid SummerHardiness Zones:3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8bWater Category:AverageSoil Fertility Requirement:Average SoilSoil Fertility Requirement:Fertile SoilSoil PH Category:Neutral SoilUses:Border PlantUses:Cut FlowerUses:Mass PlantingMaintenance Notes:This easy-to-grow perennial performs best in full sun and dry to average, well-drained soil. Mulch lightly in winter.
'Midnight Masquerade' Penstemon hybrid USPP 29,603, Can 6,262 -
8 Reviews
55432211Browse reviews from people who have grown this plant.-
Deborah Lodge, Georgia, United States, 29 weeks ago
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I LOVE proven winners plants and this plant. The purple foliage, shape and flowers drew me to them immediately. We’re on a tight budget so I planted two last year and two this year. Unfortunately, this spring when last years plants came up they both grew with GREEN foliage. They get full sun. I’m not sure why the foliage grew green and not purple but now I’m worried the new plants will do the same next year. Has anyone had this? Is there anything I can do to fix it bc I still do love these plants but definitely want them to be purple, not green.
Niya Gross, Michigan, United States, 1 year ago -
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!
Catherine Pyper, Michigan, United States, 2 years ago -
Four plants were put in August of last year. They over-wintered beautifully with the foliage showing off during the rainy, but not terribly cold winter months. In the Spring, the plants came to life, grew and produced beautiful foliage and flowers. Unfortunately, here it is July and the stems are flopping over so the center of the plant is exposed. They're still flowering and look healthy, but the plants just look -- odd. They get about six hours of sun each day and they're watered through a drip system several times a week so I'm not sure if it's too much water or not enough sun (even though we've had very warm days we do have coastal morning fog at times)..
Jan, California, United States, 3 years ago -
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.
Yolanda, Indiana, United States, 3 years ago -
I planted this last year, spring, and it grew a little, and bloomed a little. It survived the winter just fine. This year, it has grown into its full-bodied size and is now in its blooming glory. It is sturdy, and gorgeous! I've seen a lot of bumblebees attracted to it, and yes, a hummingbird has been around. I am very pleased, thank you!!!
Marcia, United States, 4 years ago -
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.
Mary Brown, Georgia, United States, 5 years ago
1 Award
Award Year Award Plant Trial 2020 Top Performer Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden 1 Recipe
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