The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Penstemon Digitalis Companion Plants

Oleh Anonymous October 20, 2023 Post a Comment

Table of Contents

Penstemon Digitalis: An Overview

Before we dive into the best companion plants for penstemon digitalis, let's first understand what this plant is all about. Penstemon digitalis, also known as foxglove beardtongue, is a stunning native perennial that produces tall spikes of pure white flowers in late spring and early summer. This plant is easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Choosing the Right Companion Plants for Penstemon Digitalis

Companion planting is the practice of growing two or more plant species together for mutual benefit. In the case of penstemon digitalis, choosing the right companion plants can enhance its beauty, attract more pollinators, and provide additional benefits like pest control and soil improvement. Here are some great companion plants for penstemon digitalis:

1. Salvia

Salvia is an excellent companion plant for penstemon digitalis. This plant produces spikes of blue, purple, or pink flowers that complement the white blooms of penstemon digitalis. Salvia also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies and repels pests like aphids and cabbage worms.

How to Plant:

Salvia prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Plant them at least 12 inches away from penstemon digitalis to avoid crowding.

2. Echinacea

Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is another great companion plant for penstemon digitalis. This plant produces daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white that complement the white blooms of penstemon digitalis. Echinacea also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies and repels pests like Japanese beetles.

How to Plant:

Echinacea prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Plant them at least 18 inches away from penstemon digitalis to avoid crowding.

3. Alliums

Alliums are bulbous plants that produce tall spikes of globe-shaped flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white. These plants complement the tall spikes of penstemon digitalis and also repel pests like aphids and slugs.

How to Plant:

Plant allium bulbs in the fall, at least 6 inches deep and 6 inches apart. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.

4. Butterfly Weed

Butterfly weed, also known as milkweed, is a native perennial that produces bright orange or yellow flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. This plant also provides food for monarch butterfly larvae.

How to Plant:

Butterfly weed prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Plant them at least 12 inches away from penstemon digitalis to avoid crowding.

5. Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan is a native perennial that produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with black centers. This plant attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies and also repels pests like Japanese beetles.

How to Plant:

Black-eyed Susan prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Plant them at least 12 inches away from penstemon digitalis to avoid crowding.

6. Liatris

Liatris, also known as blazing star, is a tall perennial that produces spikes of purple or white flowers in late summer. This plant attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies and also provides winter interest when the seed heads remain on the stalks.

How to Plant:

Liatris prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Plant them at least 12 inches away from penstemon digitalis to avoid crowding.

7. Catmint

Catmint is a low-growing perennial that produces spikes of blue or lavender flowers in early summer. This plant attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies and also repels pests like aphids and flea beetles.

How to Plant:

Catmint prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Plant them at least 12 inches away from penstemon digitalis to avoid crowding.

8. Yarrow

Yarrow is a native perennial that produces flat-topped clusters of flowers in shades of pink, yellow, and white. This plant attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies and also repels pests like aphids and spider mites.

How to Plant:

Yarrow prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Plant them at least 12 inches away from penstemon digitalis to avoid crowding.

FAQs

1. Can I grow penstemon digitalis in shade?

Penstemon digitalis prefers full sun to part shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not flower as prolifically.

2. How often should I water my penstemon digitalis?

Penstemon digitalis is drought-tolerant and prefers well-draining soil. Water deeply once a week during hot, dry weather.

3. How tall does penstemon digitalis grow?

Penstemon digitalis can grow up to 3 feet tall.

4. Can I grow penstemon digitalis in containers?

Yes, you can grow penstemon digitalis in containers. Choose a large container with drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix.

5. When is the best time to plant penstemon digitalis?

The best time to plant penstemon digitalis is in the spring or fall when the weather is cool and moist.

Choosing the right companion plants for penstemon digitalis can enhance its beauty, attract more pollinators, and provide additional benefits like pest control and soil improvement. Salvia, echinacea, alliums, butterfly weed, black-eyed Susan, liatris, catmint, and yarrow are great companion plants for penstemon digitalis. Remember to give each plant enough space to grow and thrive, and water them deeply once a week during hot, dry weather.

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