Karen, even though it doesn't last long, I love P. smallii, such a sweet plant that fits in lots of little niches in the garden. It's always a pleasant surprise when I find a seedling! My start originally came from Bluestone at my last home, then I wintersowed some several years ago here and have had a couple show up here and there since. Come to think of it I haven't seen any this year. I actually kinda wish it seeded itself more aggressively like Husker's Red!
Charlie, my experience with various penstemons has been much like yours, only P. digitalis types have been reliably perennial. P. digitalis grows wild here (the green leaved, white flowered form). What are the others that have been reliable perennials for you?
