Littleflower Penstemon

(Penstemon procerus)

Littleflower Penstemon (Penstemon procerus)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Penstemon procerus image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Penstemon procerus, commonly known as Littleflower Penstemon, is a semi-deciduous perennial herb native to mountainous regions, including open woodlands, rocky slopes, and alpine meadows in the Western United States and parts of Canada. It typically forms low-growing mats of foliage with some erect stems, reaching up to 40 centimeters in height. The inflorescence consists of clusters of small, tubular flowers, each no more than one centimeter in length, displaying hues of purple to blue, often with a contrasting white throat. The flowers, which bloom from late spring to early summer, are modest in size but can be quite showy en masse due to their vibrant coloration.

Littleflower Penstemon is valued for its ability to thrive in challenging conditions, such as rocky soils and higher elevations, making it a suitable choice for rock gardens, alpine collections, and as ground cover in naturalistic plantings. It is also appreciated for its low water requirements, making it an excellent candidate for xeriscaping. The cultivar ’Roy Davidson’ has been recognized with the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its exceptional performance in gardens. For best results, this plant should be grown in well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. While generally pest and disease-free, it can suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils and may be short-lived in overly rich or moist conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-1.5 feet
  • Width: 0.5-0.7 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Mountainous regions, including open woodlands, rocky slopes, and alpine meadows

Other Names

Common Names: Small-Flower Penstemon, Little-Flowered Beardtongue, Pincushion Beardtongue, Slender Blue Beardtongue, Slender Blue Penstemon, Small-Flowered Beardtongue, Small-Flowered Penstemon, Penstémon Élancé, Pentstémon Élancé

Scientific Names: , Penstemon procerus, Penstemon confertus subsp. procerus, Penstemon confertus var. procerus, Penstemon procerus subsp. pulvereus, Penstemon tinctus, Penstemon procerus f. albescens, Penstemon procerus f. jenkinsii, Lepteiris parviflora, Penstemon pononi

GBIF Accepted Name: Penstemon procerus Douglas ex Graham