lilac penstemon
Penstemon gracilis
USDA zones3 to 6
SunHandles partial sun to partial shade
WaterNeeds moist soil
Sizeup to 24 inches tall
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Purple
- Soil types
- Sand
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Lilac penstemon (Penstemon gracilis) is a perennial for meadow gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes part sun or part shade and moist, sandy soil. It grows 8 to 24 inches tall and has dark green leaves. Loose spikes of small, lavender, snapdragon-like flowers open in late spring and again in early to late summer. The flowers attract hummingbirds.
Pairs well with False Solomon's seal, Tussock sedge, and Michigan lily.
Native range
CO, IA, IL, IN, and 10 more places. See all 14
CO, IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, MT, ND, NE, NM, SD, WI, WY; MB, and SK.