Overview
Collinsia violacea, or commonly known as the Purple Chinese Houses, is a small annual wildflower that belongs to the plant family Plantaginaceae. This plant is native to northwest America, specifically from British Columbia to California.
Appearance
The plant grows up to 1-3 feet tall and usually blooms between March and July. The flowers, ranging from lavender to deep purple in color, are shaped like a hood with two large petals and one that is smaller and lobed. The leaves of this plant are arranged oppositely on the stem and are lanceolate in shape.
Uses
C. violacea is commonly grown in gardens as an ornamental plant due to its bright colors and attractive shape. In addition, it serves as an excellent source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators. This plant has also been used traditionally by indigenous communities in North America to treat skin ailments and colds.
Cultivation
C. violacea grows best in full sun or partial shade, in well-drained soils. It is easy to cultivate and can self-seed under the right conditions, making it a popular choice for establishing plant beds and naturalized areas. It is also tolerant of deer and drought, making it a low-maintenance option for many gardens.
Light Requirements
Collinsia violacea Nutt. is a plant species that thrives well under partial to full sunlight exposure. It requires adequate light for photosynthesis and growth, and exposure to direct sunlight is crucial for the plant to produce its beautiful purple flowers.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species favors a moderate temperature between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. It grows best in areas that have cool summers and mild winters. However, it can still survive in warmer climates during the fall and winter seasons.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil rich in organic matter. It grows best in loamy soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be fertile and not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Additionally, the plant requires regular watering to maintain enough moisture in the soil for healthy growth.
Cultivation
Collinsia violacea Nutt., commonly known as Purple Chinese Houses, is a flowering plant that is native to California and prefers to grow in areas with partial shade and well-drained soil. It is recommended to plant the seeds in the fall just before the heavy rains, although if you miss the fall planting, you can also plant the seeds in early spring.
Watering Needs
Collinsia violacea Nutt. requires regular watering, particularly during the hotter and drier months. You should water the plants once or twice a week, depending on the weather, keeping in mind that it is better to water deeply and less often than to give the plant light, frequent watering. You should also ensure that the soil is well-drained since the plant cannot tolerate standing water.
Fertilization
Collinsia violacea Nutt. does not require much fertilization. You can feed the plant with a slow-release fertilizer once or twice during the growing season. Avoid applying too much fertilizer as it can cause excessive foliage growth and reduce the plant's flowering.
Pruning
Collinsia violacea Nutt. does not require regular pruning. However, you can pinch the stems when the plant is young to encourage bushier growth. Deadheading the spent flowers can also promote further blooming later in the season. Additionally, you should remove any dead or damaged foliage, especially during the winter, to prevent the plant from getting diseases.
Propagation of Collinsia violacea Nutt.
Collinsia violacea Nutt., commonly known as purple Chinese houses or fairy foxglove, is a biennial native to California.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method for Collinsia violacea. The best time to sow seeds is during fall or early spring when the temperatures range from 60 °F to 70 °F. Soil pH should be slightly acidic (around 6.0-7.5) and well-drained. The plant thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Seeds should be sown 1/8 inch deep, and it will take around 7 to 14 days for germination to take place. Seedlings can be transplanted after three or four weeks of germination to their permanent location, allowing 10 to 12 inches of space between each plant.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is possible but not commonly used. The best time to propagate by cuttings is during late summer or early fall. Stems should be cut from the parent plant and stripped of their lower foliage, leaving about two leaves on the upper end.
The cutting should be about 6 inches long. Dip the end of the cutting into rooting hormone powder, and plant the cutting in potting mix. Water the plant regularly and place it in bright and indirect sunlight. The stem cutting will root within a month, and you can transplant it into the desired location.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is possible but not commonly practiced since Collinsia violacea has a taproot that makes it challenging to divide. It's best to divide the plant during the fall season. Dig up the plant, shake off the dirt gently, and separate the taproot into desired sizes. Be sure to have at least one part of the stem with each divided section.
After division, plant each new section in a hole as deep as the root ball. Water the new divisions regularly, and within a few weeks, the plants should start to develop new roots and leaves.
Disease and Pest Management for Collinsia violacea Nutt.
Collinsia violacea Nutt. is a beautiful California native wildflower that produces lavender flowers with a yellow throat. As with any plant, it is important to protect it from pests and diseases to ensure healthy growth. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect Collinsia violacea Nutt. and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal Diseases: The most common fungal diseases of Collinsia violacea Nutt. include powdery mildew and rust. Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, while rust appears as orange spots on the leaves. Both diseases are more likely to occur in humid conditions. To manage fungal diseases, avoid overhead watering, promote good air circulation, and remove infected leaves or plants promptly. Applying a fungicide can also be effective.
Bacterial Diseases: Collinsia violacea Nutt. can also be susceptible to bacterial diseases, such as bacterial leaf spot and crown gall. Bacterial leaf spot causes black spots with yellow halos on the leaves, while crown gall causes swollen lumps on the stems. To manage bacterial diseases, avoid overhead watering, remove infected leaves or plants promptly, and apply a copper fungicide as a preventative measure.
Pests
Aphids: Collinsia violacea Nutt. is attractive to aphids, which are small, soft-bodied insects that can suck the sap from the leaves. They can be managed by using insecticidal soap or a strong jet of water to knock them off the plants.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, reddish-brown insects that can cause yellowing and stippling on the leaves of Collinsia violacea Nutt. They can be managed by spraying the plants with water to remove them or by using insecticidal soap.
Slugs and Snails: Slugs and snails can cause damage to the leaves and flowers of Collinsia violacea Nutt. To manage them, hand-pick them off the plants or use bait traps. Creating a barrier of copper tape around the plants can also be effective.
By following these disease and pest management tips, you can help keep your Collinsia violacea Nutt. healthy and thriving in your garden.
