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.
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 Type:  | 
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 Origins:  | 
 Southern Appalachians; GA Native  | 
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 Height:  | 
 2' - 3'  | 
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 Spread:  | 
 1’ - 4'  | 
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 Spacing:  | 
 2.5'  | 
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 USDA Hardiness Zone:  | 
 5 - 8  | 
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 Culture:  | 
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 Bloom Color:  | 
 Purple  | 
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 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