Penstemon smallii

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Penstemon smallii has long been a favorite Southeast US (NC to Alabama) native beard tongue. The bushy, 6" tall winter rosettes of green foliage with reddish overtones, give rise t o 12" tall stalks, laden with small lavender bells in May and June (NC). Penstemon smallii is short-lived (2-3 years), but seeds around nicely...always in the perfect spot. In the wild, it grows on rocky mountainous slopes and outcrops, and needs a similar condition in the garden for it to thrive...think very good drainage...even to the point of mixing in small gravel in poorly drained soils. It's also a great food source for native bees. Show more