A plant collector's item for decades. Husker's Red is an unusual Penstemon offering maroon-red , occasionally bronze-green foliage when grown from seed. This is coupled with contrasting spikes of blushed pink flowers making useful late summer colour for borders.

Height: 50-75cm (20-30in).

Sow February to April. Sow in pots or trays of moist seed compost and cover with a very fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Seal container inside a polythene bag and keep at a constant temperature of between 15-20C (59-68F). After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged; germination can take 1 to 4 months.

When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3 inch) pots or trays. Plant out once plants are well grown, 30cm (12 inches) apart.

For best results, provide a fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Plants will prove reliably hardy if wet winter conditions are avoided.