Penstemon 'Dark Towers'

Penstemon 'Dark Towers': Midnight Bloom

With rich, burgundy foliage and soft pink-lavender blooms, Penstemon 'Dark Towers' delivers both bold colour and fine texture from late spring into early summer. Its airy flower spikes rise above deep wine-coloured leaves that retain their hue through the season, making it a striking focal point in full sun borders. Attracting bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, this long-flowering hybrid combines ornamental flair with drought tolerance and reliable performance in Canadian gardens.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 75–90 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm
• Flower Colour: Pale pink to soft lavender
• Flowering Period: Late spring to midsummer
• Foliage: Glossy burgundy foliage with a refined, upright habit
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, average to sandy soil; drought tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: 'Dark Towers' is ideal for sunny perennial borders, prairie-inspired plantings, and pollinator gardens. Its dark foliage brings season-long contrast, even after flowering has passed. This cultivar is especially valuable in low-maintenance or waterwise landscapes where it thrives without fuss. Its open form makes it an excellent companion for grasses and structural perennials, adding vertical interest and movement to mixed plantings.

Companion Plants: Combine with the fine vertical blades of Schizachyrium scoparium, the vibrant late-season blooms of Aster 'Wood's Purple', and the rich spires of Salvia 'May Night' for a sun-loving composition that bridges spring through fall with layered texture and pollinator appeal.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment, then sparingly. Cut back flowering stems after bloom for a tidier appearance and potential rebloom. In early spring, remove old growth to promote healthy new foliage. Fertilization is rarely needed—too-rich soils may reduce colour intensity.

History: A hybrid bred from Penstemon digitalis and Penstemon 'Husker Red', 'Dark Towers' was developed for enhanced foliage colour, taller stature, and improved bloom time. It combines native durability with cultivated elegance, making it a standout in both traditional and contemporary designs.

Final Thoughts: Sophisticated and dependable, Penstemon 'Dark Towers' is a workhorse with flair—bringing contrast, colour, and pollinator life to the garden from spring into summer.