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Description
Collinsia Sparsiflora, commonly known as the sparsely-flowered blue-eyed Mary, is a species of flowering plant from the family Plantaginaceae. This annual herb is native to western North America and can grow up to 30cm in height. The plant has a slender stem with alternate leaves that are ovate or lanceolate in shape, measuring 1-4cm in length. The flowers are blue, purple or white in color and have a tubular shape with five petals that are fused at the base. It blooms from April to June and is a popular choice for gardeners due to its attractive appearance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Dicotyledonae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Collinsia |
Appearance
Collinsia Sparsiflora is an attractive plant that can add color to any garden. Its slender stem and alternate leaves give it a delicate appearance. The flowers are the main attraction of this plant and are available in a range of colors including blue, purple, and white. The petals of the flower are fused at the base and form a tube shape. It has a height of up to 30cm and a spread of up to 15cm.
Care Guide
Collinsia Sparsiflora is relatively easy to care for and requires moderate maintenance. Here is a brief care guide:
Water
The plant prefers moist soil, so it is essential to water it regularly. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry.
Fertilization
Collinsia Sparsiflora does not require much fertilization. However, it would help if you fertilized it with a balanced fertilizer once every two weeks during the growing season.
Soil
The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It would help if you added organic matter to the soil before planting to improve the soil quality.
Sunlight
Collinsia Sparsiflora prefers partial shade to full sunlight. It can tolerate full sun if the soil is moist.
Hardiness Zones
Collinsia Sparsiflora can grow in hardiness zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Collinsia Sparsiflora is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. Pests that can affect the plant include slugs, snails, and aphids. You can control these pests by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Collinsia Sparsiflora is native to western North America and can be found in a range of habitats, including meadows, open woodlands, and rocky slopes. It prefers moist soil and partial shade.
Questions and Answers
Q: Is Collinsia Sparsiflora hard to grow?
A: No, it is relatively easy to grow and requires moderate maintenance.
Q: What is the best soil for Collinsia Sparsiflora?
A: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
Q: What pests can affect Collinsia Sparsiflora?
A: Pests that can affect the plant include slugs, snails, and aphids.
Q: What is the blooming period of Collinsia Sparsiflora?
A: The plant blooms from April to June.
Related Plants
- Collinsia Bicolor
- Collinsia Grandiflora
- Collinsia Heterophylla
- Collinsia Multicolor
References
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=cosa8
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/collinsia-sparsiflora-sparsely-flowered-blue-eyed-mary
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/collinsia_sparsiflora.shtml
