What does Penstemon look like?

Penstemon digitalis is a perennial plant that has an upright growth habit. It has rhizomes, which are underground stems that allow the plant to spread and form clusters of rosettes. The rosettes of Penstemon digitalis are red-purple in color, giving the plant a vibrant and eye-catching appearance.

The stems of Penstemon digitalis are smooth and green, providing a nice contrast to the colorful rosettes. These stems are sturdy and upright, allowing the plant to stand tall in the garden or landscape. They also provide support for the beautiful flowers that Penstemon digitalis produces.

The leaves of Penstemon digitalis are glossy and have occasional reddish highlights, adding to the overall attractiveness of the plant. They are arranged in an opposite fashion along the stems, meaning that each pair of leaves is positioned directly across from each other. This creates a symmetrical and neat appearance.

The shape of the leaves can vary slightly, but they are generally ovate, elliptical, or lanceolate. This means that they are either oval-shaped, elongated and oval-shaped, or lance-shaped. The leaves have pointed tips, which adds a bit of sharpness to their overall look.

Penstemon digitalis is a visually appealing plant with its clustered red-purple rosettes, smooth green stems, and glossy leaves. It brings a touch of color and elegance to any garden or landscape setting.

Personal Experience:
I have had the pleasure of growing Penstemon digitalis in my own garden, and I must say, it is truly a show-stopping plant. The vibrant red-purple rosettes create a focal point in the garden, and the glossy leaves add a touch of sophistication. The upright growth habit of Penstemon digitalis allows it to stand tall and command attention, making it a great choice for borders or as a standalone specimen.

I have also noticed that the occasional reddish highlights on the leaves can vary in intensity depending on the amount of sunlight the plant receives. When grown in full sun, the leaves seem to develop a deeper red hue, which adds even more visual interest to the overall appearance of the plant.

Penstemon digitalis is a stunning plant with its clustered red-purple rosettes, smooth green stems, and glossy leaves. It is a versatile and visually appealing addition to any garden or landscape.

Photo of author

Caroline Bates

Caroline is a Miami-based landscaper who specializes in drought-tolerant landscapes. She is the mother of two young children and also enjoys writing for GreenPacks.org in her spare time. Caroline takes great pride in her work, and loves being able to share her knowledge with others through her writing.