Deep, dependable, and wonderfully long-lived for a border penstemon, Penstemon x gloxinioides ‘Midnight’ is a strong garden performer with rich purple flowers and handsome dark blue-purple green stems and leaves. Growing about 3' tall and wide, it brings bold color and upright structure to perennial borders, pollinator gardens, dry beds, and cottage-style plantings.

‘Midnight’ Penstemon produces deep purple tubular blooms from late spring through fall when deadheaded, making it an excellent nectar plant for bees and hummingbirds. Its saturated flower color pairs beautifully with silver foliage, yarrow, salvias, grasses, apricot blooms, roses, and other drought tolerant perennials. Unlike many short-lived border penstemons, this selection has proven impressively persistent in the garden.

Plant Penstemon ‘Midnight’ in full sun with well-drained soil. It looks best with some water, but can take drought on the coast once established. Cut stems back hard in winter to maintain a healthy compact plant, or cut back to about 6" whenever it needs encouragement for another bloom cycle. Explore more habitat-friendly favorites in our California Native Perennials collection.