Purple Chinese Houses
(Collinsia heterophylla)
Purple Chinese Houses (Collinsia heterophylla)
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© Casey Schreiner
CC BY 4.0
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© Casey Schreiner
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CC BY 4.0
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Photo by: © Casey Schreiner | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: modernhiker | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Collinsia heterophylla, commonly known as Purple Chinese Houses, is an annual herb that is native to California and Northwest Mexico, and primarily thrives in open woodlands, grasslands, and forest edges. This plant typically grows in partially shaded areas and reaches a height of 10–50 centimeters (4–20 inches). It is widespread throughout California, excluding desert regions, up to elevations of 1,000 meters (3,300 feet). The flowers, which bloom from mid-spring to early summer, are arranged in whorls, creating a tiered effect reminiscent of pagoda structures, hence the name. The blossoms are usually purple and white, making them quite showy.
Purple Chinese Houses are valued for their unique inflorescence structure and vibrant flowers, which make them excellent choices for wildflower gardens, borders, and as part of native plantings. They are relatively easy to grow and maintain, requiring minimal care once established. In cultivation, they prefer full sun to part shade and need soils with good drainage and moderate moisture. While they are not known for any significant diseases or pests, they can be susceptible to powdery mildew in overly humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Purple Chinese Houses are valued for their unique inflorescence structure and vibrant flowers, which make them excellent choices for wildflower gardens, borders, and as part of native plantings. They are relatively easy to grow and maintain, requiring minimal care once established. In cultivation, they prefer full sun to part shade and need soils with good drainage and moderate moisture. While they are not known for any significant diseases or pests, they can be susceptible to powdery mildew in overly humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
- Leaf Retention:
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands, grasslands, and forest edges in California and Oregon
Other Names
Common Names: Chinese-Houses , Innocence , Brokcollinsia
Scientific Names: Collinsia heterophylla , Collinsia bicolor , Collinsia heterophylla var. heterophylla , Collinsia bicolor var. typica , Collinsia hernandezii , Herpestis bicolor
GBIF Accepted Name: Collinsia heterophylla Buist ex Graham