Penstemon "Dark Tower' 2L

Penstemon 'Dark Tower' – Elegance and Contrast in the Garden

Penstemon 'Dark Tower' (Penstemon digitalis 'Dark Tower') is a striking perennial with a unique appearance, distinguished by its burgundy-purple leaves and delicate, bell-shaped flowers in a shade of pale pink to white. It is an extremely decorative and easy to grow variety, adding structural elegance to the beds. It is distinguished by long flowering, drought resistance and high attractiveness to pollinators.

Main features of the penstemon 'Dark Tower'

Flowers

• Colour: Light pink to white, slightly transparent.
• Shape: Bell-shaped flowers resembling foxgloves, gathered in loose panicles.
• Flowering period: June–August, with the possibility of prolonging flowering by regular pruning.
• Decorativeness: Subtle, light inflorescences contrast beautifully with dark leaves.

List

• Colour: Dark purple to burgundy, with a metallic sheen, more intense in full sun.
• Shape: Oblong, lanceolate, densely arranged on the stems.
• Seasonality: Semi-evergreen – in warmer climates, some of the leaves persist in winter.

Cut

• Form: An erect, slender perennial with an elegant habit.
• Height: 80–100 cm, including flowers.
• Width: It grows 40–60 cm, forming dense clumps.

Cultivation requirements of penstemon 'Dark Tower'

Location and soil

• Position: Full sun to partial shade – full sun provides more intense leaf color and more abundant flowering.
• Soil: Permeable, moderately dry to slightly moist, neutral or slightly alkaline.
• Humidity: The plant tolerates short periods of drought well, but prefers regular watering on hot days.

Watering and fertilizing

• Watering: Moderate, the plant does not like excessive moisture – it is best to water when the soil dries out slightly.
• Fertilization: In spring, you can use a compound fertilizer for flowering plants or compost to strengthen growth.

Care

• Trimming: Regular removal of faded inflorescences stimulates the plant to continue flowering.
• Reproduction: By dividing the clumps in spring or by stem cuttings taken in summer.
• Wintering: Fully frost hardy (zone 4–9), in harsher winters it is worth mulching the base of the plant.

Application of the 'Dark Tower' penstemon

Flower beds and garden compositions

• Mixed discounts: It goes perfectly with ornamental grasses, lavender, rudbeckia and coneflowers.
• Contrasting plantings: Thanks to its dark leaves, it contrasts beautifully with light plants.

Edging and paths

• It is suitable for planting at the edges of beds and along paths, where its flowers and leaves create a harmonious composition.

Naturalistic and prairie gardens

• Ideal for gardens inspired by wild meadows and prairies, where it brings structure and elegance.

Cut flowers

• It is perfect for vases – the flowers stay fresh for a long time after cutting.

Plant Specifications

• Flower pot: 2 liters
• Age: 2 years old
  
• Frost resistance: Yes