Photo of Penstemon smallii by Prairie Nursery

Photo by Prairie Nursery

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Penstemon smallii

Also Known As

  • Pink Beardtongue
  • Small's Penstemon

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 1'-2'
  • W: 6"-1'

planting zones

  • 5a-7b

More Options

Penstemon smallii plant details

Penstemon smallii is a broadleaf evergreen perennial with green foliage. In fall, spring and summer lavender, magenta and pink flowers emerge. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Does well in average, clay and gritty soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Penstemon smallii

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: plantaginaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 6 IN - 1 FT - wide, 1 FT - 2 FT - tall
Flowers: lavender, magenta and pink blooms in fall, spring and summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Penstemon smallii

USDA Zones: 5a - 7b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, clay and gritty

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

One of the showiest Penstemons of the eastern U.S., Small's Penstemon (Penstemon smallii) is native to the rocky slopes of the Great Smoky Mountains, makeing it perfect for planting on well-drained soils and hillsides. As with all Penstemons, hummingbirds are regular visitors! Hardy to Zones 5 - 7.

Gardening facts about Penstemon smallii plant

How to Grow Penstemon smallii

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - low
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • average
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • pink
    • lavender
    • magenta
  • Wildlife

    • hummingbirds
  • Flower Season

    • fall
    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Penstemon for your garden

aka Penstemon ambiguus subsp. laevissimus, Pink Plains Beardtongue

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

7a-9b

Size

Height: 9"-12"

Width: 12"-18"

  • sun
  • occasional
Photo of Penstemon ambiguus var. laevissimus close-up, flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Pinto Beardtongue

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Penstemon bicolor close-up, flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Pinto Beardtongue

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Penstemon bicolor subsp. roseus close-up, flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Firecracker Penstemon

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

6a-10b

Size

Height: 2'

Width: 8"-14"

  • sun
  • low - drought tolerant
Photo of Penstemon eatonii flower, form by Stan Shebs
View Plant

More Options

aka Lilac Beardstongue, Lilac Penstemon

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-9b

Size

Height: 8"-24"

Width: 8"-24"

  • sun
  • regular
Photo of Penstemon gracilis close-up, flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant
+227 more Penstemon
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