Penstemon 'Dark Towers' is a striking perennial prized for its deep burgundy foliage, upright habit, and soft pink tubular flowers that bloom abundantly from late spring into midsummer. Unlike many penstemons, it maintains its rich leaf color throughout the season, adding ornamental value even when not in bloom. It performs well in sunny borders, attracts pollinators, and is tolerant of dry conditions once established.
Height & Spread: 30 - 36 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to midsummer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained soil; tolerant of sandy or rocky conditions
Watering Needs: Low once established; avoid waterlogged conditions
Deer Resistance: Generally resistant due to bitter tasting foliage
Native Status
This cultivar originates from native North American Penstemon species. While 'Dark Towers' is a hybrid selection, it supports many of the same native pollinators and thrives in similar dry sunny conditions.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Frequently visited by long tongued bees like bumblebees and digger bees for its tubular pink blooms.
Butterflies
- Eastern Tiger Swallowtails and Painted Ladies often feed on its extended nectar supply during early summer.
Hummingbirds
- Ruby Throated Hummingbirds are drawn to the tubular flower shape and sustained bloom period.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space plants 18 - 24 in apart to allow airflow and support upright flower stems.
Landscape Placement:
- Perfect for sunny borders, dry gardens, pollinator meadows, and slopes where color and foliage contrast are desired.
Companion Plants
- Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) - Offers an airy backdrop of silvery blue blooms that contrast beautifully with the deep foliage of Penstemon.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' - Soft yellow daisies create a luminous carpet that offsets Penstemon’s vertical habit and dark leaves.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Deep violet spires enhance the warm pink tones of Penstemon flowers while blooming in tandem.
- Agastache 'Blue Fortune' - Aromatic foliage and spiky lavender blooms support pollinators and echo Penstemon’s upright form.
- Allium 'Millenium' - Rounded purple globes provide mid season interest and help attract a variety of pollinators to the planting.