small's penstemon
Penstemon smallii
USDA zones5 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall12 to 16 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Pink , purple
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acidic (pH<6.8)
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Small's penstemon (Penstemon smallii) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, and rock gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to moist, sandy or loamy soil. Dark pink to purple, white-throated flowers open on branched stalks up to 2 1/2 feet tall. It blooms for up to four weeks, longer than other eastern penstemons. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees visit the flowers.
Pairs well with Creeping phlox, Autumn fern, Big bluestem, and Bush honeysuckle.
Native range
AL, GA, NC, SC, and 1 more places. See all 5
AL, GA, NC, SC, and TN.