I'v got a small bed on the east side of my house that gets morning sunlight unitl around 1pm or so. I already have 'Karmina' geranium, rudbeckia 'Goldsturm', 'Moonbeam' coreopsis and one 'blackbird' asiatic lily planted there. I have space for two more plants, and I have already purchased the 'purple emperor' sedum due to the foliage contrast and fall blooms. But I've been thinking of 'Husker Red' Penstemon instead. What are the pros/cons of these two plants? Would the sedum get enough light there, or is the penstemon a better gamble?

I already have two 'Autumn Fire' sedums which look a lot like the 'purple emperors', and I wanted to plant something different, though the emperor is frankly really beautiful.

Purple Emperor Sedum does have nice color, but it doesn't seem as tough as my other Sedums. I've been disappointed in mine so far, but that's because my Sedum "Matrona" is doing so good compared to it.

I also just got Penstemon "Dark Towers." It is like Husker's Red but it's even darker and has pink blooms instead of white. I'm rooting cuttings of it in water too. You can't go wrong with these Penstemons. It's the plant I recommend to everyone I can.

I personally think the Penstemon would perform better there.

Sedum foliage always looks good to my eye. I don't have Purple Emperor, but I do have Matrona and Brilliant. Matrona is greyish-green with reddish edges, light pink blooms - very pretty and a great performer for me. Brilliant foliage is plain light green, probably not what you're looking for, but lovely nonetheless.

Really, mxk3? Your HR was lanky? Mine are always full lush plants, almost like a robust phlox.

I don't clean up my gardens until spring, and the overwintered foliage looks pretty crappy until I see enough new growth to cut out the old stuff, but I've never had ratty-looking foliage on the current season's growth. If I ever did, HR would be outta my garden tout de suite, because I like tidiness too.

If you plant that Sedum make sure you increase drainage. I, too, have seen its issues with rotting.

To my mind, the plants are very different in effect. The sedum is short, 18 inches tops and flowers mid to late summer. It has a very heavy look.

The penstemon is around 2 feet tall and when in bloom is even taller. It's a medium plant in terms of shape and foliage appearance.

Overall, the sedum is darker.

I happen to think both are great plants. Both are growing in amended clay soil in full sun. Pictures below were both taken June 22.

Sedum:

Penstemon

Sedum 'Purple Emperor': Good color that doesn't fade out. Is attractive for a long time since it blooms later in the year. Not fussy once established. I agree that it isn't the most vigorous of Sedums. But if it has an area with good drainage it should do well.
Both are good plants in thier own way. But if I had to keep only one of them it would be the sedum.

-echinaceamaniac, thanks for the tip about the Penstemon cuttings. I will have to try that.
CMK