Collinsia heterophylla

Also Known As

Chinese Houses

Plant type

annual / biennial

size

H: 2'
W: 2'

planting zones

1-11

More Options

Collinsia heterophylla plant details

Collinsia heterophylla is a broadleaf deciduous annual / biennial with green foliage. In spring and summer purple and white flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular water. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Collinsia heterophylla

Plant type: annual / biennial
Plant family: plantaginaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 2 FT wide, 2 FT tall
Flowers: purple and white blooms in spring and summer
Uses: cottage garden, easy-to-grow, self-sowing, unique

GROWING CONDITIONS for Collinsia heterophylla

USDA Zones: 1 - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular

Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A Californian annual of remarkable and unusual beauty. Whorls of bi-tone, purple and white, lupin-like flowers are tiered on slender stems, narrowing towards the top, pagoda style. They are borne in great abundance on delicate plants with small triangular leaves. One of the few winter annuals that prefers a lightly shaded position, where they will flower longest, though they grow happily in full sun as well. Scratch into bare, well drained soil in autumn or early winter where they should self sow the following year. Excellent in a pot, especially when combined with other Californian annuals. Each pack contains, at the bare minimum, 50+ seeds.

By: Zephs

Easy & exceptionally bloomy, enchanting in the garden & long lasting as a cut flower, who wouldn’t fall in love with this charming California wildflower? Sweetest purple-lavender & white bicolor, snapdragon-like blooms are held in tiers on multi-branching stems to 2’ tall & across, Spring thru early Summer. Adored by bees & a host plant for the Checkerspot Butterfly. Very pretty combined with Gilia capitata, Phacelia grandiflora & Layia platyglossa. Can be grown under oaks where it will self-sow for a lovely woodland effect. Likes rich soil & cool Bay Area weather the best. Self-sown volunteers need no supplemental water.