Origin
Collinsia heterophylla Buist ex Graham var. heterophylla, commonly known as Purple Chinese Houses, is a native plant species to western North America, specifically in California, Oregon, and Washington. It is a part of the Plantaginaceae family and is related to snapdragons and foxgloves.
Common Names
Purple Chinese Houses are named for their distinctive purple-pink coloration. The plant is also known by several other common names, including Innocence, Mountain Lilac, and Heterophyllous Blue Eyed Mary.
Uses
Collinsia heterophylla Buist ex Graham var. heterophylla is widely used in the ornamental industry. It is a popular addition to gardens and landscapes as its attractive color and delicate appearance make it an ideal plant to add texture and interest. Purple Chinese Houses can also be used in cut flower arrangements.
General Appearance
Purple Chinese Houses are small, herbaceous, annual plants that typically grow to be about 15-30cm tall. They have alternate leaves that are lance-shaped and range in color from bright green to a deep blue-green. The plant's distinctive flowers are two-lipped and tubular, with the upper lip being concave and the lower lip forming three small lobes. The flowers range in color from lavender to purple-pink and have a yellow throat with a dark purple spot. The blooms are arranged in a cluster that resembles a small stacking chimney and grow at the end of the stem.
Light Requirements
Collinsia heterophylla Buist ex Graham var. heterophylla is a shade-loving plant. The plant grows well in partial to full shade. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves and reduce flowering.
Temperature
Collinsia heterophylla Buist ex Graham var. heterophylla grows well in a cool and moist environment. The typical temperature range is 10-18°C. Plants in hot or dry conditions may wilt and die.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-drained, rich, and moist soil. The suitable soil pH range is 5.5-7.0. The soil must have good water retention capacity to maintain moisture levels. The plant's roots are shallow and may not be able to reach moisture deeper in the soil.
Cultivation
Collinsia heterophylla Buist ex Graham var. heterophylla, commonly known as Purple Chinese Houses, is relatively easy to cultivate in a wide range of soils. Grow it in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It prefers full sun to partial shade but can tolerate areas with moderate shade. This plant is suitable for growing in containers, hanging baskets, as well as garden beds and borders.
Watering Needs
Purple Chinese Houses require regular watering, especially during the summer months when the weather is hot and dry. Water should be applied at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which may cause fungal diseases. It is recommended to water the plant once or twice per week while ensuring that the soil remains evenly moist.
Fertilization
Although Purple Chinese Houses can grow well without fertilization, regular application of a balanced fertilizer can enhance its growth and appearance. Fertilizers high in nitrogen can cause excessive growth at the expense of flowering. Therefore, a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied every four to six weeks during the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Purple Chinese Houses as they are relatively compact and do not become leggy. However, if the plant starts to look unruly, it can be trimmed back to maintain its shape. Deadheading spent flowers can also encourage new blooms and promote bushier growth. Cut the spent flowers at their base with a pair of clean and sharp pruning shears.
Propagation of Collinsia heterophylla Buist ex Graham var. heterophylla
Collinsia heterophylla Buist ex Graham var. heterophylla, commonly known as Chinese Houses, can be propagated through seeds and stem cuttings. Here's a detailed look at each of these methods:
Propagation through seeds
The easiest way to propagate Collinsia heterophylla is through seeds. Sow the seeds in early spring after the last frost date or in fall. This will give the plant enough time to establish itself before winter arrives. Unlike other plants, Collinsia heterophylla seeds need light to germinate, so don't cover them with soil. Just sprinkle them over the soil and gently press them down.
Water the soil gently and keep it moist. The seeds will germinate in about one to three weeks. Once they germinate, thin out the seedlings so that they're about six to eight inches apart. This will give each plant enough space to grow and develop fully.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Another way to propagate Collinsia heterophylla is through stem cuttings. Take a six-inch-long stem cutting in the spring or early summer. Make sure the cutting has at least one or two nodes. Nodes are the points from which new leaves grow.
Strip off all the leaves except the top two. Then, dip the cut end into rooting hormone and plant it in moist soil. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment, and place it in a bright spot but not in direct sunlight. Water the cutting regularly, keeping the soil moist. After a few weeks, the cutting will start to grow new leaves, indicating that it has rooted successfully.
Once the cutting has rooted, transplant it into a larger pot or into the garden. If planting outdoors, make sure the planted stem cutting stays moist until it's fully established.
Overall, Collinsia heterophylla Buist ex Graham var. heterophylla is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that you can propagate through different methods to create more of it.
Disease and Pest Management for Collinsia heterophylla Buist ex Graham var. heterophylla
Collinsia heterophylla Buist ex Graham var. heterophylla, commonly known as purple Chinese houses, is a delightful winter-blooming plant that is commonly grown in gardens and landscapes across California. Due to its popularity and delicate beauty, this plant is vulnerable to various diseases and pest infestations, which can reduce its health and attractiveness. To ensure that your Collinsia heterophylla Buist ex Graham var. heterophylla remains healthy and produce a good crop, here are some effective disease and pest management practices you can adopt.
Common Pests that Affect Collinsia heterophylla Buist ex Graham var. heterophylla
One of the most common pests that infest Collinsia heterophylla Buist ex Graham var. heterophylla is aphids. These tiny insects suck sap from the plant and weaken it. Aphid infestations can be managed by using a strong jet of water to knock them off the plant. Another common pest is the western flower thrips, which suck the sap from the flower buds, causing them to turn brown. You can control thrips by using insecticidal soap or a horticultural oil solution.
Common Diseases of Collinsia heterophylla Buist ex Graham var. heterophylla
Collinsia heterophylla Buist ex Graham var. heterophylla is susceptible to various fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Powdery mildew is a white, powdery coating on the leaves, while leaf spot is characterized by brown, circular spots on the foliage. You can manage these diseases by removing and destroying the infected parts of the plant, improving air circulation around the plant, and avoiding overhead watering. Root rot, which is caused by soil-borne fungi, can lead to the collapse of the plant and can be managed by planting the Collinsia heterophylla Buist ex Graham var. heterophylla in well-draining soil or reducing the frequency of watering.
Preventive Measures
One of the most effective ways of managing pests and diseases in Collinsia heterophylla Buist ex Graham var. heterophylla is by adopting preventive measures. Here are some tips:
- Plant your Collinsia heterophylla Buist ex Graham var. heterophylla in well-draining soil to prevent root rot and fungal diseases.
- Avoid overhead watering, as this can cause fungal leaf diseases.
- Inspect your plants regularly for pests and diseases and take necessary action immediately.
- Plant companion plants that repel pests to reduce pest infestations.
- Use organic and biological fungicides and pesticides to reduce the negative impact on the environment.
By adopting these pest and disease management practices, you can ensure that your Collinsia heterophylla Buist ex Graham var. heterophylla remains healthy and produces a beautiful crop of flowers.
