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Penstemon smallii (Small's beardtongue)

Penstemon smallii

Small's beardtongue

Penstemon smallii features a compact and bushy form, reaching approximately 24 inches in height when flowering. Its pinkish-purple tubular blossoms are distinguished by white-striped throats. Small's Beardtongue boasts glossy, green leaves with purple veins, arranged oppositely on dark purple stems. In autumn, the basal rosette shifts to an appealing red or bronze hue.


Height

12-24 Inches

Spread

12 Inches

Spacing

6-18 Inches

Bloom Color

Pink, Purple, White

USDA Hardiness Zone 6-8

Small's beardtongue Interesting Notes

It is a rare species deserving greater attention in horticulture. It is native to isolated regions in the mountainous areas of the Carolinas, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama.

Penstemon smallii Growing and Maintenance Tips

Flourishes in sunny or partly sunny sites with acidic dry or moist, well-drained soil. This species is very tolerant of heat and humidity, but will not do well in wet conditions.

Good Substitutions

rosy sedge Carex rosea
blue wood aster Aster cordifolius

Key Characteristics & Attributes

Full Sun
Full Sun
Part Sun
Part Sun
Pollinator-friendly
Pollinator-friendly
Hummingbird-friendly
Hummingbird-friendly
Deer Resistant
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Drought Tolerant
Groundcover
Groundcover
Cut Flower
Cut Flower
Summer
Summer

Additional Information

Soil Moisture Needs
Average
Dry
Plug Type
Landscape Plug™
Propagation Type
Seed cultivar