Water
Water regularly once established, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Drought-tolerant once mature, avoid overwatering, especially in well-draining soil, to prevent root rot.
Reduce watering in cooler months.
Also known as Beard-Tongue "husker Red" Penstemon Digitalis · Beardtongues · Digitalis Penstemon
Penstemon digitalis, also known as Talus Slope Penstemon, features spires of tubular white to pale pink flowers that attract pollinators. Native to North America.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Part Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering, but tolerates light shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry between waterings, drought-tolerant once established.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers average room temperatures; hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Low
25% intensity
Minimal fertilizer needed; a light feeding in spring is sufficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly once established, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Drought-tolerant once mature, avoid overwatering, especially in well-draining soil, to prevent root rot.
Reduce watering in cooler months.
Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage reblooming and maintain a tidy appearance. Cut back plants in late fall or early spring to remove dead foliage and promote new growth.
Remove any dead or damaged stems at any time.
Easily grown from seed sown in fall or early spring. Can also be propagated by division of established clumps in early spring or fall. Cuttings can be taken in early summer from new growth.
This plant typically does not require frequent repotting as it thrives when slightly pot-bound. If repotting is necessary, do so in early spring before new growth begins, using a well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Talus Slope Penstemon (Penstemon digitalis)
Where Talus Slope Penstemon (Penstemon digitalis) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Penstemon |
| Species | Penstemon digitalis |
Similar in genus Penstemon
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data