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Description
Collinsia Multicolor, also known as Chinese Houses, is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. This annual plant is native to North America and can grow up to 1-2 feet tall. The plant produces tubular-shaped flowers that bloom in various shades of pink, blue, and purple with white markings on the lower lip.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Collinsia |
Appearance
The Collinsia Multicolor plant has a slender stem with green leaves that are ovate to lanceolate in shape. The flowers grow in clusters at the top of the stem and bloom from late spring to early summer. Each flower has a distinctive tubular shape with two lips, and the upper lip is slightly curved. The colors of the flowers range from pink, blue, and purple with white markings on the lower lip.
Care Guide
To ensure the Collinsia Multicolor plant thrives, it is essential to follow a proper care guide. Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The plant prefers consistent moisture, so water regularly, especially during the hot summer months.Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 ratio, once a month during the growing season.Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, compost, and sand is ideal for the plant.Sunlight: The plant prefers partial to full sun exposure.Hardiness Zones: The Collinsia Multicolor plant can grow in hardiness zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Collinsia Multicolor plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. To prevent these pests and diseases, make sure to keep the plant well-watered and fertilized. If you notice any signs of infestation or disease, remove the affected plant parts immediately and treat with a suitable insecticide or fungicide.
Habitat
The Collinsia Multicolor plant is native to North America and can be found growing in open meadows, woodlands, and along roadsides. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate partial to full sun exposure.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Collinsia Multicolor plant easy to grow?
A: Yes, this plant is relatively easy to grow, especially if the proper care guide is followed.Q: What is the ideal soil mixture for this plant?
A: A mixture of peat moss, compost, and sand is ideal for this plant.Q: Can this plant tolerate full sun exposure?
A: Yes, this plant can tolerate partial to full sun exposure.Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect this plant?
A: The Collinsia Multicolor plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the Collinsia Multicolor plant:
- Collinsia Grandiflora
- Collinsia Heterophylla
- Collinsia Parviflora
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/chinese-houses/care-of-chinese-houses.htm
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=COMU
- https://www.gardeningchannel.com/chinese-houses-plant-profile/
