Penstemon 'Dakota Burgundy'

Dakota Burgundy Beardtongue | Penstemon ‘Dakota Burgundy’ | Dakota Burgundy Penstemon | Beardtongue ‘Dakota Burgundy’

Dakota Burgundy Beardtongue is a striking, sun-loving herbaceous perennial prized for its incredibly dark, glossy burgundy-purple foliage and its spectacular profusion of tubular, violet-pink flowers. This exceptionally tough, heat- and drought-tolerant selection is known for its compact, sturdy upright habit that provides remarkable architectural interest and rich, dark color from spring through fall. Its nectar-rich blossoms are an absolute magnet for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it a spectacular, low-maintenance thriller for sunny landscape borders, rock gardens, and mixed patio containers. With its reliable performance through challenging conditions and beautiful contrast against standard green plants, Dakota Burgundy offers an extraordinary display of vibrant color and dramatic, dark texture with exceptionally straightforward care.

Growing Dakota Burgundy Beardtongue

Light: Full sun; thrives in bright, direct sunlight (at least 6 to 8 hours per day) to produce the deepest, darkest burgundy foliage color, the most abundant blooms, and maintain a tight, sturdy upright form.

Soil: Light, well-drained soil; highly adaptable to poor, sandy, or gravelly soils as long as drainage is excellent. It is extremely susceptible to root rot in heavy, waterlogged clay, especially during the winter months.

Water: Low to moderate; water regularly until established, then allow the top few inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings. It is exceptionally drought-tolerant once mature and strongly dislikes consistently wet feet.

Maintenance: Exceptionally low maintenance. Deadhead spent flower stalks down to the basal foliage to encourage a potential second flush of blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. Cut the old stems back to just above the ground in early spring before fresh new growth emerges.

Wildlife: Highly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies; naturally deer- and rabbit-resistant.

Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 3–8; exceptionally cold-hardy and reliable across a wide range of climates provided it has excellent winter drainage.

Shipping Info

Dakota Burgundy Beardtongue plants are shipped as healthy young starts in 4" nursery pots. Allow 1–2 weeks after arrival for plants to recover from shipping and resume active growth before repotting or planting outdoors.