Contents
1. Description
Collinsia Verna, also known as blue-eyed Mary, is a delicate and charming plant that is native to North America. This annual plant belongs to the plantain family and is typically found in moist meadows, woodlands, and mountain slopes.The blue-eyed Mary is an attractive plant that produces showy, blue or violet-blue flowers with white centers. The flowers are about 1.5 cm long and have two lips, with the upper lip being two-lobed and the lower lip three-lobed. The leaves of the plant are opposite, simple, and ovate, with a toothed margin.The plant blooms from April to June and is a favorite among gardeners and wildflower enthusiasts due to its striking appearance.
2. Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Collinsia |
3. Appearance
The blue-eyed Mary is a dainty plant that can grow up to 30 cm tall. It has a slender stem that is covered in fine hairs and can be easily broken. The plant has delicate, green leaves that are about 3 cm long and 1.5 cm wide.The flowers of the blue-eyed Mary are the most striking feature of the plant. They are blue or violet-blue and have a white center. The flowers grow in clusters and are about 1.5 cm long. The upper lip of the flower is two-lobed, while the lower lip is three-lobed.
4. Care Guide
The blue-eyed Mary is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this delicate plant:- Water: The blue-eyed Mary prefers moist soil, so water it regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: The blue-eyed Mary does not require much fertilizer, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to encourage growth and flowering.- Soil: The blue-eyed Mary prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to loamy.- Sunlight: The blue-eyed Mary prefers partial to full shade, but it can also tolerate full sun.- Hardiness Zones: The blue-eyed Mary is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
5. Common Pests & Diseases
The blue-eyed Mary is not prone to many pests or diseases, but here are some common issues to watch out for:- Slugs and snails: These pests can damage the leaves and flowers of the plant. Use slug bait or copper tape to deter them.- Aphids: These pests can suck sap from the plant and cause stunted growth. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. Use a fungicide to treat it.
6. Habitat
The blue-eyed Mary is native to North America and can be found in moist meadows, woodlands, and mountain slopes. It prefers moist soil and partial to full shade. The plant is also popular among gardeners and is often grown in rock gardens or as a border plant.
7. Question and Answer
Q: Is the blue-eyed Mary a perennial or an annual plant?
A: The blue-eyed Mary is an annual plant.Q: Can the blue-eyed Mary tolerate full sun?
A: Yes, the blue-eyed Mary can tolerate full sun, but it prefers partial to full shade.Q: How often should I water the blue-eyed Mary?
A: Water the blue-eyed Mary regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.Q: Does the blue-eyed Mary attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the blue-eyed Mary attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
8. Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the blue-eyed Mary:- Collinsia Grandiflora: A taller version of the blue-eyed Mary with larger flowers.- Collinsia Heterophylla: A California native with pink or purple flowers.- Veronicastrum Virginicum: A tall perennial with white or pink flowers.
9. References
– “Collinsia Verna.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 10, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=k230.- “Collinsia Verna.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed August 10, 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=COVE4.
