Penstemon digitalis Dakota Verde - Foxglove beardtongue

The Penstemon digitalis 'Dakota Verde' is a remarkably compact variety with shiny foliage in a bright green colour, turning dark purple towards the end of the season. On its low, bushy growth, numerous lavender-pink flowers bloom in summer, borne in dense clusters. Invite it onto your terrace, in a border, a flower bed, or even among your favourite bush roses. Its combination with the Agastache Blue Boa is particularly successful.

The Penstemon digitalis belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family, like the foxglove, whose flowers are similar. The 'digitalis' penstemon is native to North America. It is mainly found in the eastern and southeastern United States, growing in dry areas such as prairies or open forests on well-drained, loamy or sandy soil. The 'Dakota Verde' variety, recently introduced from the USA, is part of a line of hybrids called the Dakota Series, selected for their small size, hardiness, and beautiful colours.

The Penstemon 'Dakota Verde' develops from a robust base, forming a basal rosette of shiny leaves, then a clump of leafy stems slightly more comprehensive than tall (about 35 cm (14in) tall and 45 cm (18in) wide). The colour of the leaves gradually changes from bright green to dark green in summer, eventually turning dark purple. In July, thick, hairy, deep burgundy-red stems rise, not exceeding 60 cm (24in) in height. They are adorned with smaller leaves and bear tubular flowers, crowned with five lobes at their tips. The flowers are grouped in pairs on beautiful clusters measuring 15 cm (6in) in length. They have a pinkish-mauve colour. This variety is hardy in well-drained soil. Its foliage is semi-evergreen in winter.

The 'Dakota Verde' penstemon fits well in a perennial or shrub border with plenty of sun. It can be paired with romantic bush roses (Bouquet Parfait, Pomponella) or the tiny Physocarpus Little Devil, which is also very dark. But also in a more minimalist style, with beautiful blue grasses like blue fescues or Schizachyrium scoparium Prairie Blues. It will also blend well with the blue blooms of campanulas and annual lobelias. This small penstemon also performs well in a pot, with proper drainage and regular fertiliser application. Penstemons also make excellent cut flowers.