Penstemon digitalis Goldfinger

Penstemon digitalis 'Goldfinger' is a perennial with incredibly bright golden and lime-green foliage. In summer, the plant is adorned with long reddish flower spikes bearing bell-shaped pinkish-white flowers. Its abundant summer flowering, hardiness to cold, and low water requirements make it a bedding plant that is beautiful and easy to grow. Provide it with sun and well-drained, non-calcareous soil.

Penstemon 'Goldfinger' is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the Plantaginaceae family. This cultivar is a horticultural selection derived from the species Penstemon digitalis, native to North America, particularly the central and eastern regions of the United States, where it grows naturally in prairies, forest edges, and open areas.
'Goldfinger' has an upright, bushy habit, reaching approximately 70 cm in height when in flower and 50 cm in spread when planted in the ground. Its growth is moderate, with mature size reached in 2 to 5 years. The foliage is semi-evergreen, with a basal rosette of leaves persisting through winter. The purple-red stems are sturdy and bear lanceolate leaves. Flowering extends from May-June to July in the form of tubular, 2 to 3 cm long, lightly scented flowers, which attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Penstemon digitalis 'Goldfinger' does not produce suckers but can be propagated by division. It is hardy down to -25°C and tolerates moderate drought periods once well established.

Penstemon digitalis 'Goldfinger' is perfect for brightening sunny borders from spring until late summer, as its foliage is decorative even when not in flower. It pairs wonderfully with light grasses such as Stipa tenuifolia or Panicum virgatum 'Sangria', which accentuate its height and dance around its flower spikes. Also, combine it with Echinacea 'Fatal Attraction', Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red', Gauras, or Nepetas. In pots, surround it with trailing calibrachoa or verbenas. Its elegant yet natural appearance makes it perfectly suited to cottage gardens. Its flowers also make lovely cut arrangements!