Photo of Eriogonum species 'Mills College' flower, form by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved.

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Eriogonum species 'Mills College'

Also Known As

  • Eriogonum species 'Mills College Form'
  • Buckwheat

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 9"-12"
  • W: 12"-24"

planting zones

  • 9a-11

Eriogonum species 'Mills College' plant details

Eriogonum species 'Mills College' is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial with blue and green foliage. In summer cream flowers emerge. Attracts bees and beneficial insects making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in gritty, rocky and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Eriogonum species 'Mills College'

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: polygonaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 12 IN - 24 IN - wide, 9 IN - 12 IN - tall
Flowers: cream blooms in summer
Uses: cutting garden, long-blooming, native plant, rock garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Eriogonum species 'Mills College'

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Soil needs: gritty, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Showy flower stalks on this Eriogonum make it a standout. They immediately caught my eye when I came across this Eriogonum in the botanical garden at Mills College in Oakland, CA. The folks at Mills generously shared seed with us but its identity was (is) not certain. The grayish-green foliage stays low-about 9-12” tall and 2’ wide. But the lovely blue stems get to be about 3' tall. Cool! The clusters of blooms are creamy white and contrast nicely with the blue stems. They would look great in a dried flower arrangement. Best with good drainage. Probably a California native. Great for bees!

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Eriogonum species 'Mills College' plant

How to Grow Eriogonum species 'Mills College'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • cream
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • bees
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen

See other plant types of Eriogonum for your garden

aka Santa Cruz Island Buckwheat

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

9a-10b

Size

Height: 2'-5'

Width: 2'-5'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Eriogonum arborescens flower, foliage by Stan Shebs
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aka Conejo Buckwheat, Saffron Buckwheat

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 12"-18"

Width: 12"-18"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Eriogonum crocatum flower by Noah Elhardt
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aka Eriogonum fasciculatum [SBH 7671a], California Buckwheat

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

7a-11

Size

Height: 2'-3'

Width: 3'-4'

  • sun
  • low
  • dry in summer
Photo of Eriogonum fasciculatum flower by Stan Shebs
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aka Eriogonum giganteum var. giganteum, Buckwheat, Saint Catherine's Lace, St. Catherine's Lace

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 4'-5'

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry when dormant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Eriogonum giganteum flower by Stan Shebs
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More Options

aka Eriogonum heermannii, Eriogonum sulcatum, Heerman's Buckwheat, Heermann's Grooved Wild Buckwheat

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 2'-6'

Width: 2"-4'

  • sun
  • low - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Eriogonum heermannii var. sulcatum form by Stan Shebs
View Plant
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