Kale vs Penstemon

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Kale

Brassica oleracea var. sabellica

Brassicaceae · vegetables

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Penstemon

Penstemon digitalis

Plantaginaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Kale (Zones 2-11)

Penstemon (Zones 3-8)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Kale	Penstemon
Scientific Name	Brassica oleracea var. sabellica	Penstemon digitalis
Family	Brassicaceae	Plantaginaceae
Category	vegetables	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Low
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	2'	3'
Spread	1' 6"	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Spring, Fall, Winter	Early Summer
Bloom Color	Yellow (second year)	White, Pink, Purple
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Mediterranean	North America
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Kale

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Penstemon

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Kale

✓Direct sow or transplant.
✓Harvest outer leaves for continuous production.
✓Frost improves flavor.
✓Resistant to many pests.
✓Can overwinter in zones 6+ with protection.

Penstemon

✓Excellent drainage essential — root rot is the main killer.
✓Don't over-fertilize or overwater.
✓Cut back after first flush for possible rebloom.
✓Short-lived but self-seeds.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Kale if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

Choose Penstemon if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 3–8.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View KaleProfile →View PenstemonProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Kale and Penstemon grow in the same hardiness zone?

Kale grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Penstemon grows in zones 3-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 8.

Do Kale and Penstemon have the same sun and water needs?

Kale needs full sun to part shade and medium water, while Penstemon needs full sun and low water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Kale or Penstemon?

Penstemon grows taller at 3' compared to Kale at 2'. Penstemon spreads 1' 6" while Kale spreads 1' 6".

Are Kale and Penstemon deer resistant?

Yes, both Kale and Penstemon are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Kale or Penstemon?

Both Kale and Penstemon have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Kale	Penstemon
Scientific Name	Brassica oleracea var. sabellica	Penstemon digitalis
Family	Brassicaceae	Plantaginaceae
Category	vegetables	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Low
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	2'	3'
Spread	1' 6"	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Spring, Fall, Winter	Early Summer
Bloom Color	Yellow (second year)	White, Pink, Purple
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Mediterranean	North America
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Kale

✓Direct sow or transplant.
✓Harvest outer leaves for continuous production.
✓Frost improves flavor.
✓Resistant to many pests.
✓Can overwinter in zones 6+ with protection.

Penstemon

✓Excellent drainage essential — root rot is the main killer.
✓Don't over-fertilize or overwater.
✓Cut back after first flush for possible rebloom.
✓Short-lived but self-seeds.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Kale if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

Choose Penstemon if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 3–8.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Kale and Penstemon grow in the same hardiness zone?

Kale grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Penstemon grows in zones 3-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 8.

Do Kale and Penstemon have the same sun and water needs?

Kale needs full sun to part shade and medium water, while Penstemon needs full sun and low water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Kale or Penstemon?

Penstemon grows taller at 3' compared to Kale at 2'. Penstemon spreads 1' 6" while Kale spreads 1' 6".

Are Kale and Penstemon deer resistant?

Yes, both Kale and Penstemon are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Kale or Penstemon?

Both Kale and Penstemon have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.