Midnight Masquerade | Penstemon ’Midnight Masquerade’
Midnight Masquerade is a hardy, compact, and easy to grow beardtongue that is native to the Western Hemisphere. It boasts clumps of purple flowers with white centers that grow on glossy burgundy foliage. Midnight Masquerade grows 3 ¼ feet high with a spread of 3 feet. Its flowers reach 12 inches and are tubular in shape, attracting butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Midnight Masquerade grows in zones 3-9, beginning in May and lasting through July. It is both drought and salt resistant and handles humidity well. Midnight Masquerade is known for its prolific, full flowers and vibrant color.
Care
Midnight Masquerade grows best in medium moist well drained soil and full sun. Apply a slow-release fertilizer to encourage growth. This variety is drought resistant but will need consistent watering until established.
Midnight Masquerade is a cold hardy plant; however, it is recommended that a layer of mulch 3-4 inches thick be placed around the plant to insulate the roots during winter. Proper air circulation helps prevent disease. Keep a watch out for slugs and aphids and ensure the soil drains well, as too much moisture can lead to root rot and powdery leaf mildew.
Pruning should be done in late fall. The seed heads may be left in winter to attract birds or deadhead the plant to clean up the mounds. Damaged or dead foliage may be removed as needed. When planting, dig a hole as deep as the container it came in and twice as wide. Be sure to water and backfill the soil.
Uses in the Landscape
With its purple and white flowers, Midnight Masquerade is a great border plant. Its compact blooms make excellent cut flowers. Add to planters under windows or around steps to add curb appeal or plant in mass in a flowerbed as a filler plant. Use it to add color around bird baths, garden benches, or bird feeders, and its seed heads will attract feathered visitors all season long. Midnight Masquerade is deer resistant and easy to maintain, and it grows in zones 3-9.
Companion Plants:
Buttered Popcorn Daylilly is a beautiful perennial with bright yellow blooms. It pairs well with the purple tubular blooms of Midnight Masquerade. Plant together in mass or in groups of 2 to 3 in planters.
Denim n’ Lace Russian Sage makes a great companion for Midnight Masquerade, growing in similar conditions. Add its blue flowers with the purple blooms of Midnight Masquerade to create a landscape of cool hues. Plant in mass along paths or around structures to add color anywhere. These plants will add character to the garden all season long.
Ordering:
Our processing time usually is 1-3 days after receiving the order. Orders taken after 4:00 pm on Wednesday through Sunday will be shipped the following Monday.
Shipping:
The Plant Factory, Inc. offers the very best shipping processes to ensure quick, safe, and near-perfect results every time. Cold and heat may deter your order temporarily until it is safe to receive and plant your plants/trees in your area. At our discretion, we will hold order till the threat is gone ensuring you with the healthiest-viable product ordered.
Summer - Above 95 degrees | Winter - Below 34 degrees
Plant Highlights
- Growing Zone: 3-9
- Plant Brand: The Plant Factory Choice
- Botanical Name: Penstemon ’Midnight Masquerade’
- Foliage Color: Eggplant, Purple
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flower Size: 12 Inches, Tubular
- Flower Fragrance:
- Fall Color: Burgundy, Crimson Maroon
- Type: Perennial
- Mature Height: 3 ¼ Feet
- Mature Width: 3 Feet
- Growth Rate: Medium
- Exposure: Full Sun
- Soil Needs: Well Drained
- Water Needs: Regular to low
- Pruning Needs: Late Fall
- Awards: 2020 Top Performer Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
- Grown by: The Plant Factory
- Pollinator Friendly: Yes
- Deer Resistant: Yes
- Pet Friendly: Yes
- Reblooming: No
- Cold and Heat Tolerant: Yes
Photo: Provided by Walter Gardens
Note: We put pictures and videos on our site to best represent our products, as an example of our quality as a grower. You may, however, receive a smaller or larger plant than pictured, depending on the season you buy. You may or may not get a plant blooming as shown on our site. We usually trim off blooms because they do not ship well. Your purchase of our plants should be considered an investment in your future garden to enjoy growing to its full potential.
Why The Plant Factory, Inc is a good choice?
Our plants are grown at our nursery. Our experienced staff use the best horticultural practices to ensure our plants are of the utmost health and quality. We select your plants as if we were buying them ourselves. Our standard goals are to exceed our customers’ expectations. We pride ourselves for great “out of the box” experiences with hassle-free customer service and quick resolutions.
