Overview of Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii (Parish) Newsom
Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii (Parish) Newsom, also known as Davidson's blue-eyed Mary, is a flowering plant that belongs to the plantain family, Plantaginaceae. This plant is native to the western part of North America, particularly found in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.
Common Names of Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii (Parish) Newsom
Different regions have different names for Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii (Parish) Newsom. Some of the common names for this plant include Davidson's blue-eyed Mary, Bart's blue-eyed Mary, and Bart's collinsia.
Uses of Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii (Parish) Newsom
Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii (Parish) Newsom is mainly grown for ornamental purposes. Its beautiful lavender-blue flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it an excellent addition to gardens and landscapes. Due to its adaptability to various soil types and moisture conditions, this plant is also an ideal choice for restoration and erosion control projects.
General Appearance of Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii (Parish) Newsom
Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii (Parish) Newsom is a small, annual herb that grows up to 1 ft tall. This plant has oval or lance-shaped leaves that are oppositely arranged on the stem and are 0.4 to 1.2 inches long. The flowers are two-lipped, tubular, and have a lavender-blue color with dark stripes on the lower lip of the corolla. The flowers are arranged in loose clusters at the top of the stem and bloom from April to June.
Growth Conditions for Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii (Parish) Newsom
Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii (Parish) Newsom, also known as Davidson's blue-eyed Mary, is a delicate, herbaceous perennial plant native to the western United States.
Light Requirements
This plant requires a moderate amount of sunlight. The ideal location for the Davidson's blue-eyed Mary is a part shade to full sun exposure. It is important to note that the plant cannot tolerate strong, direct sunlight for extended periods of time as it may cause leaf burn.
Temperature Requirements
Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii (Parish) Newsom prefers cooler temperatures due to its natural habitat being located in subalpine to montane regions. It can tolerate a variety of temperatures ranging from 45°F to 75°F (7°C to 24°C) but prefers cooler temperatures on the lower end of the spectrum.
Soil Requirements
The Davidson's blue-eyed Mary can grow in a variety of soil types but prefers well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or rocky soils as long as it is not waterlogged. The optimal soil pH range for Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii (Parish) Newsom is between 6.5 to 7.5.
Overall, providing the ideal growth conditions will result in a healthy, thriving plant that will add to the natural beauty of any garden or landscape.
Cultivation Methods for Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii (Parish) Newsom
Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii (Parish) Newsom is a beautiful plant that can be cultivated in pots or in the ground. When planting in the ground, make sure to choose a location that has well-drained soil and adequate sunlight. This plant can grow in partial shade, but too much shade will prevent it from blooming.
Plant the seeds or seedlings in the ground after the last spring frost. Water the soil immediately and keep it moist until the plant is established. Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii (Parish) Newsom can tolerate dry conditions, but it will grow better with regular watering.
Watering Needs for Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii (Parish) Newsom
Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii (Parish) Newsom needs regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. However, be careful not to overwater the plant, as this can cause fungal disease. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more frequently if the soil is dry.
Water the plant at the base, avoiding the leaves and flowers. Water early in the morning or in the evening, when temperatures are cooler and there is less evaporation.
Fertilization of Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii (Parish) Newsom
Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii (Parish) Newsom does not require a lot of fertilizer. A slow-release organic fertilizer can be applied in the spring, before new growth begins. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause the plant to produce more leaves than flowers.
If the plant appears yellow and stunted, it may need more nutrients. In this case, apply a balanced fertilizer once every two weeks until the plant recovers.
Pruning of Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii (Parish) Newsom
Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii (Parish) Newsom does not require regular pruning. However, trimming back the plant after flowering can help to keep it bushy and prevent it from spreading too much. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to remove the top one-third of the plant.
Remove any dead or diseased stems throughout the growing season. This will help to prevent the spread of disease and keep the plant healthy.
Propagation of Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii (Parish) Newsom
Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii (Parish) Newsom, commonly known as Blue-eyed Mary, is a delicate perennial plant that is native to California and Oregon. This plant is popular among gardeners because of its beautiful blue to lavender flowers and ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Propagation by seeds
The most common method of propagating Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii (Parish) Newsom is by seeds. The seeds are small and should be collected when the seed pods start to dry out. Once collected, the seeds should be stored in a paper envelope in a cool and dry place until they are ready to be sown. Spring is the best time to sow the seeds as the soil is warm and moist. Before sowing, the soil should be prepared by removing weeds and debris and tilling to ensure adequate drainage. The seeds should be scattered on the soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. Water the area lightly and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings can also be successful with Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii (Parish) Newsom. Cuttings should be taken from healthy and mature plants in early summer. Cuttings should be taken from the non-flowering stems and be at least 4 inches in length. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be planted in a high-quality potting mix with good drainage. Plants should be kept in a shaded area until the roots are established and then gradually moved to a sunny area for optimal growth.
Disease Management
Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii is not known to suffer from any serious plant diseases, but it can still be affected by certain fungi and bacteria. Here are some of the common diseases that may affect the plant:
- Leaf spots: This disease is caused by various fungi that can cause small to large circular spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, you should remove the affected leaves and dispose of them properly. Water the plant from the base rather than on top to prevent splashing. Consider applying a fungicide labeled for leaf spots on the plant.
- Crown rot: This is a fatal disease that can affect the plant if the soil is not well-draining. To prevent crown rot, ensure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering. Remove and destroy any diseased plants and use fungicides to manage the disease.
Pest Management
Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii is not a common victim of pests but can still be affected by some. Here are the common pests that might attack the plant:
- Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the plant and may stunt the growth of the plant. To manage aphids, consider using natural predators like ladybugs or spraying the plant with insecticidal soap. You can also wash off aphids with a jet of water.
- Spider mites: These pests are known to attack indoor Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. davidsonii plants. They feed on the sap and can cause the leaves to turn yellow or bronze. To manage spider mites, use a spider mite killer, applying to the plant according to the product instructions. Consider improving ventilation in indoor spaces to discourage spider mites.
