Midnight Masquerade Beardtongue (Penstemon)

Midnight Masquerade® is a tall, upright hybrid beardtongue with deep purple foliage and lavender-purple flowers with white interiors. Proven Winners lists the selection for full sun, USDA zones 3–8, and summer bloom, with bees and hummingbirds among its visitors. ## Garden Use Use Midnight Masquerade as a vertical accent in sunny perennial borders, pollinator gardens, or mass plantings. Its dark foliage provides season-long contrast, while the flower spikes add color above the clump. Proven Winners gives a garden height of 36–40 inches and spread of 28–32 inches, so place it where the taller stems can be seen without crowding neighboring plants. ## Growing Conditions The [Proven Winners plant profile](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/penstemon/midnight-masquerade-beardtongue-penstemon-hybrid) lists full sun, average water, average-to-fertile soil, and USDA hardiness zones 3a–8b. It describes this as a drought-tolerant selection once established and reports the patent identifiers USPP 29,603 and Can 6,262. The hybrid name and codes are retained here as given in the source. ## Maintenance Plant in well-drained soil and water regularly while roots establish; once established, the breeder reports moderate drought tolerance. Remove faded flower stems if you prefer a tidier border, and apply a light winter mulch where needed to protect the crown. Allow the mature width when spacing plants so air and light can reach the foliage.