Smalls's Penstemon is a native herbaceous perennial with purple stems bearing purple veined dark green foliage that turns bronze-red in winter. Small tubular purple flowers with purple stripes and white throats bloom in summer followed by seedpods. Grows best in partial sun and dry to medium well-drained soil. Drought tolerant.
Penstemon smallii is a host plant for the Common Buckeye butterfly, and provides nectar for other bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Birds and small mammals eat the seeds.
| Type: | |
| Origins: | Southern Appalachians; GA Native | 
| Height: | 2' - 3' | 
| Spread: | 1’ - 4' | 
| Spacing: | 2.5' | 
| USDA Hardiness Zone: | 5 - 8 | 
| Culture: | |
| Bloom Color: | Purple | 
| Season of Interest: | 
MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low Maintenance.  No serious pests or diseases.  Root rot can occur in poorly-drained soils.
LANDSCAPE USES:  Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Rock Gardens, Xeriscape Gardens, Naturalized Areas, and Containers.
COMPANION PLANTS: Purple Coneflower, Little Bluestem, Giant Hyssop
 
             
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
