Small's Beardtongue
Penstemon smallii
An Appalachian endemic with lavender-pink spring spikes that bumblebees work energetically. A garden-friendly rarity with a story.
Typically 1 pint–1 gal · $9–$30 · final price at pickup
- Thu, Sep 248 AM – 4 PM
- Fri, Sep 258 AM – 4 PM
- Sat, Sep 268 AM – 2 PM
A rare southern Appalachian native with lavender-pink blooms and excellent bumblebee attraction, practically unknown in gardens despite its reliable performance.
Small's Beardtongue is an Appalachian endemic, found in the wild only in a narrow band of the southern mountains, but it adapts beautifully to garden conditions throughout the mid-Atlantic and Southeast. The lavender-pink tubular flowers, striped inside with white guidelines, bloom in late spring on upright stems rising from a neat basal rosette. Bumblebees are the primary pollinators and they work the spikes energetically. Named for botanist John Kunkel Small, this species is somewhat underused compared to more widely distributed penstemons, which makes it a genuinely interesting choice for gardeners who want plants with a story. It handles average to dry soils well and the semi-evergreen rosette is attractive through the mild season. A reliable performer with ornamental value beyond its bloom period.
A nursery-grown plant, ready for the ground.
Healthy, container-grown small's beardtongue propagated on-site at Hill House from regional genetics. Includes a one-page care card. We make every effort to supply plants as listed; occasionally we substitute a similar species of equal value.
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Dry
- Mature size
- 1.5–2.5 ft · 12–18 in wide
- Bloom time
- May–June
- USDA zones
- 5–8
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Native range
- Southern Appalachians. rocky woods, roadsides, and stream banks primarily in North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina
Care notes for small's beardtongue.
Plant in full sun to part shade in well-drained, average to lean soil. Avoid heavy clay and consistently wet conditions. Deadhead spent spikes after bloom to prevent self-seeding and tidy the plant. The basal rosette is semi-evergreen in milder zones. leave in place through winter. Divide every three to four years in early spring to maintain vigor.
Pairs well with these.
Same light, same soil, same wildlife. Janet's picks to plant alongside small's beardtongue.
Or skip the guesswork.
Curated packages bundle complementary species for an instant habitat. One reservation, one pickup day, a printed layout map.
Skyline Drive Package
This package celebrates the world renowned “Skyline Drive” by featuring native plant species encountered along the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park.
Piedmont Rain Garden Package
For homeowners with a yard that floods when it rains, this package is your solution! The Piedmont Swale Garden Package is comprised of flood tolerant species that will thrive in wet soils.
Exceptional Patio Garden Package
The Exceptional Patio Garden Package is a low maintenance, fool proof way to guarantee an endless color show for you and your guests to enjoy all patio season long.