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
