Penstemon procerus

Common Names

Littleflower Penstemon, Small-Flowered Penstemon, Small Flowered Penstemon, Smallflower Penstemon, Pincushion Penstemon, Pincushion Beardtongue, Tolmie's Penstemon, Small Penstemon

Summary

Native to western North America from Alaska to California and Colorado, with eastern reach to Manitoba, this perennial herb forms mats in alpine meadows and open rocky habitats. It bears erect stems reaching about 0.15–0.40 m tall with plentiful basal leaves and opposite cauline leaves; the inflorescence carries clusters of tubular, lipped flowers under 1 cm, purple to blue with a white throat; outside is hairless and the interior may be white or yellowish-hairy; some forms are decumbent and others known as pincushion penstemons.

In cultivation it prefers full sun to partial shade on well-drained soils and tolerates dry conditions; hardiness typically USDA zones 3–7; height and spread around 0.15–0.40 m tall and similar width; commonly used in rock gardens, dry meadows, and native landscapes as groundcover or border plant; propagation by seed or division; nectar-rich blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; edible uses include tea from dried leaves and stems.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-24 inches

Spread

8-19.5 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-7

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to part shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil, typically sandy or gravelly; pH 5.0–7.0

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil, light, sandy soil

Soil pH

5.0-7.0, mildly acidic to mildly alkaline soils

Bloom Color

Blue to purple, often with a white throat.

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Semi-deciduous

Growth Rate

1-2 ft per year

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds