Plant Description
Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. stricta Newsom, commonly known as Blue-eyed Mary, is a plant species that belongs to the family Plantaginaceae. This species is native to North America and can be found across different regions including the Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, and the Southwestern United States.
Blue-eyed Mary is a perennial herb that grows up to 20-40 cm tall. The stem of this herb is upright, slender, and usually covered with fine hairs. The leaves are arranged oppositely along the stem and are elongated with a pointed tip. They are typically green or sometimes tinged with purple.
The flowers of this plant species are usually blue or purple in color and are arranged in a loose raceme at the top of the stem. The petals are fused to form a distinctive bilaterally symmetrical tube that leads to a wide-open mouth. The center of the flower has two stamens and a green ovary.
Common Names
Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. stricta Newsom is commonly known by a variety of names including Blue-eyed Mary, Strict Blue-eyed Mary, and Bartonia stricta.
Uses
Blue-eyed Mary is primarily used as an ornamental plant due to its beautiful blue or purple flowers. It can be grown in a variety of settings like rock gardens, woodlands, and along borders.
Blue-eyed Mary has also been used in herbal medicine by indigenous people to treat a variety of ailments like coughs, colds, fever, and digestive issues. However, its medicinal use is not well documented and further research is required to ascertain its efficacy.
General Appearance
Blue-eyed Mary has a neat and delicate appearance that makes it an attractive addition to any garden. Its slender stem and elongated leaves give it a graceful appearance while its distinctive blue or purple flowers add a splash of color to any setting where it is grown.
Light Requirements
Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. stricta Newsom thrives in partial to full sun exposure. In its natural habitat, it grows in meadows that receive direct sunlight. However, it can also tolerate some shade, especially in areas with hot and dry climates. In general, this plant prefers bright but indirect light, making it an excellent choice for a windowsill or a porch area.
Temperature Range
The ideal temperature range for Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. stricta Newsom is between 50°F and 75°F. It can tolerate a broader temperature range, but it prefers cooler temperatures. Hence, it is an excellent addition to gardens located in areas with mild climates. In hotter climates, the plant must be given some shade and regularly watered to maintain its growth.
Soil Requirements
Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. stricta Newsom grows well in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It thrives in loamy soil conditions with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. The soil must retain moisture without becoming waterlogged, or the plant will develop root rot. The use of compost or other organic matter improves soil moisture retention and nutrient availability, thereby promoting the growth of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. stricta Newsom is a relatively easy plant to cultivate. It prefers full sunlight for at least six hours a day but can tolerate partial shade. The plant needs well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. It can be propagated by sowing seeds in the early spring or fall, directly in the garden bed or in pots.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering to thrive. It is important to water the plant during the dry periods to help it develop properly. Overwatering can lead to the development of root rot, which can significantly hinder the plant's growth. During hot weather, it is crucial to water the plant frequently to keep it from wilting.
Fertilization
Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. stricta Newsom does not require regular fertilization. A single application of any balanced fertilizer in spring can suffice. It is vital to avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this can cause excessive foliage growth and blooming. Moreover, too much fertilizer can negatively affect the plant's overall health.
Pruning
The plant does not require much pruning, but it is a good idea to remove any dead or damaged leaves and flowers when they appear. It is important to trim the flower stems once the blooms have faded to encourage another round of growth. Regular maintenance pruning can help the plant grow into a more compact and visually pleasing shape.
Propagation of Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. stricta Newsom
Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. stricta Newsom, commonly known as the strict blue-eyed Mary, is a herbaceous annual plant that belongs to the plantain family (Plantaginaceae) native to California. This beautiful plant can be propagated by various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common way to propagate Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. stricta Newsom is by seeds. Collect seeds from mature plants when the seedpods turn brown. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil in early spring. The ideal temperature range for seed germination is 15-20°C (60-68°F).
The seeds require light to germinate, so do not cover them with soil, or sprinkle a thin layer of soil on top of the seeds. Keep the potting soil moist, but not overwatered. Seeds typically germinate within 10-14 days.
Propagation by Cuttings
You can propagate Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. stricta Newsom by cuttings. Take a stem cutting of about 5-7 cm (2-3 inches) from a mature plant in spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves and cut the upper leaves in half to reduce water loss. Dip the cut end of the stem cutting in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a moist rooting mix.
Place the pot in bright, indirect sunlight, and keep the soil moist. In 2-3 weeks, the stem cutting should produce new roots and start growing new leaves. Transplant the new plant into a larger container or into the garden bed.
Propagation by Division
Another way to propagate Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. stricta Newsom is by division. Divide the clumps of mature plants into smaller sections, each with roots and new growth, in early spring. Replant the sections in well-draining soil in containers or in a garden bed. Keep the soil moist and provide partial shade until the plants become established.
Propagation of Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. stricta Newsom is relatively easy and can be achieved by several methods. With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy the beauty of these plants in your garden for years to come.
Disease and Pest Management for Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. stricta Newsom
Collinsia bartsiifolia Benth. var. stricta Newsom, commonly known as blue-eyed Mary, is a flowering annual plant widely grown for its beautiful blue flowers. However, like many other plants, it is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can impact its growth and appearance. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Collinsia bartsiifolia and suggestions for managing them.
Diseases
1. Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. It thrives in humid weather and can cause significant damage to the plant if left untreated. To manage powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering, as the fungus needs moisture to grow. Prune off severely infected leaves and apply fungicides containing potassium bicarbonate or neem oil.
2. Botrytis blight: Botrytis blight is a fungal disease caused by Botrytis cinerea. The disease shows up as brownish spots on the leaves, flowers, and stems. To manage botrytis blight, remove infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering. Increase air circulation around the plant to reduce humidity and fungal growth.
3. Fusarium wilt: Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that affects the plant's vascular system, leading to wilting and death. Infected leaves may also turn yellow or brown before falling off. Unfortunately, no cure exists for Fusarium wilt, and infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent further infection.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are soft-bodied insects that suck on the sap of the plants, causing leaves to curl and turn yellow. Aphid infestations can be controlled by knocking them off with water sprays. You can also use insecticidal soaps or neem oil to kill off the aphids.
2. Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the underside of the plant's leaves. They leave behind a web-like substance and cause yellowing of the leaves. To manage spider mites, spray infested plants with water to reduce their numbers. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.
3. Slugs and snails: Slugs and snails can be a problem, especially during wet weather. They feed on the leaves of the plant, causing significant damage. To manage slugs and snails, handpick them from the plant or lay down slug bait around the plant to attract and kill them. You can also create a barrier around your plants using copper tape to prevent them from reaching the plant.
