Penstemon smallii Small's Beardtongue

Penstemon smallii bears light purple to pink tubular flowers on upright plants with coarsely serrated, heart-shaped, bright green leaves. Flowering from late spring through early summer, Penstemon smallii is a pollinator magnet! It maintains a basal rosette of bronze to maroon tinted foliage in winter. This species is usually pest and disease free. Penstemon smallii, also known as Small's Beardtongue, is an uncommon species found in portions the southeastern U.S., excluding Florida. Small's Beardtongue prefers part shade to sun and dry to moist, well-drained, average to poor soil. A tap-rooted plant, it is drought tolerant, once established. Avoid overly-rich soils. Plants may be short-lived, but will self-sow if allowed to set some seed.