How much sun does Small-flower penstemon need?

Small-flower penstemon grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Small-flower penstemon bloom?

Small-flower penstemon blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Small-flower penstemon native?

Small-flower penstemon (Penstemon procerus) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Small-flower penstemon attract?

Small-flower penstemon draws bumble bees and native bees.

Small-flower penstemon

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Penstemon procerus

Last reviewed: October 2026

Small-flower penstemon (Penstemon procerus) is a perennial forb native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 6 more states. It blooms in June, July, and August. The flowers draw bumble bees and native bees.

Toxicity unknown

Small-flower penstemon (Penstemon procerus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–12" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT and 6 more states

Pollinators

bumble bees, native bees

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Small-flower penstemon.

Try it with your yard

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains

A small, tufted perennial with narrow basal leaves and dense whorled clusters of small blue-purple flowers on short stems. Forms a tidy, low mat in rocky meadows and open slopes.

Growing Small-flower penstemon

Grow Small-flower penstemon in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 12 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Its compact clustered flowers are an efficient nectar stop for bumble bees and other native bees.

Common questions

How much sun does Small-flower penstemon need?: Small-flower penstemon grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Small-flower penstemon bloom?: Small-flower penstemon blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Small-flower penstemon native?: Small-flower penstemon (Penstemon procerus) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Small-flower penstemon attract?: Small-flower penstemon draws bumble bees and native bees.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Small-flower penstemon? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app