Penstemon Digitalis 'Mystica'

Penstemon 'Mystica

Penstemon digitalis ‘Mystica’
Mystica Beardtongue / Foxglove Beardtongue

Penstemon digitalis ‘Mystica’ is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial with upright dark stems, glossy green to burgundy-purple foliage, and large clusters of pale lavender-pink to white tubular flowers. The foliage often emerges green, darkens with burgundy-purple tones through the season, and may develop red fall color. It blooms in late spring to early summer and is useful in sunny borders, pollinator plantings, native-style gardens, cottage gardens, and meadow-edge designs. RHS lists ‘Mystica’ as a herbaceous perennial, and Ball Seed lists it as hardy in Zones 3a–8b with a height of 24–36 in.

Type: Herbaceous perennial
Mature Size: 18–24 in. wide × 24–36 in. tall
USDA Zones: 3a–8b
Form: Upright clump with basal foliage and vertical flowering stems
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil / Water: Average to dry, well-drained soil; low to moderate water once established
Bloom Time / Length: Late spring to early summer; blooms for several weeks
Wildlife: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for perennial borders, pollinator gardens, native-style plantings, cottage gardens, meadow gardens, and mass plantings. The pale flowers contrast strongly with the darker stems and burgundy-tinged foliage, making it a good companion for ornamental grasses, salvia, nepeta, yarrow, coreopsis, sedum, coneflowers, and other sun-loving perennials. Garden Design notes that ‘Mystica’ produces pale lavender-pink flowers for weeks, followed by glossy purple seed pods that add fall interest.

Care:
Plant in well-drained soil and avoid heavy, wet winter conditions. Deadhead after flowering for a tidier look and possible light rebloom. Cut old stems back after bloom or in early spring. Plants may self-seed, but seedlings may not come true to the same dark foliage and flower color.

Plant type

Perennial

Height

24-36''

Width

18''-24''

Hardiness zones

3–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring

Flower color

Violet

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Red

Attracts

Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Average, Dry Area, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Border, Container, Mass Planting

Shape

Clump, Upright

Drought tolerant

No