Hollisteria Lanata

Description

Hollisteria Lanata, also known as woolly blue curls, is a flowering plant that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to California, Arizona, and northern Mexico, and is commonly found in the wild. The plant has a unique appearance, with dense clusters of bright blue to purple flowers that bloom in late spring and summer. It is highly valued for its ornamental use in gardens and landscaping.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Hollisteria Lanata is a shrub that can grow up to 3-5 feet tall and wide. It has silver-green, woolly leaves that are lance-shaped and grow up to 2 inches long. The plant produces dense clusters of bright blue to purple flowers that grow up to 2 inches long and are covered in fine hairs, giving them a fuzzy appearance. The flowers bloom in late spring and summer and are highly attractive to bees and butterflies.

Care Guide

Water

Hollisteria Lanata requires regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. It prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the climate and soil conditions.

Fertilization

The plant does not require frequent fertilization, but it can benefit from occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Soil

Hollisteria Lanata prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. It can tolerate a range of soil types but does not do well in heavy clay or waterlogged soil.

Sunlight

The plant prefers full sun to partial shade, and can tolerate some shade during the hottest part of the day. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive.

Hardiness Zones

Hollisteria Lanata is hardy in USDA zones 8-11, and can tolerate temperatures down to 20°F.

Common Pests & Diseases

Hollisteria Lanata is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but can be susceptible to spider mites and thrips. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by root rot if grown in poorly-draining soil. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering the plant.

Habitat

Hollisteria Lanata is native to California, Arizona, and northern Mexico, and is commonly found in the wild in dry, rocky habitats such as chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and desert washes. The plant is highly valued for its ornamental use in gardens and landscaping, and is often grown as an accent plant or in mixed borders.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Hollisteria Lanata be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Hollisteria Lanata can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system and has adequate drainage.

Q: How often should Hollisteria Lanata be pruned?

A: Hollisteria Lanata does not require frequent pruning, but can be pruned lightly after flowering to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth.

Q: Does Hollisteria Lanata attract bees and butterflies?

A: Yes, Hollisteria Lanata is highly attractive to bees and butterflies due to its bright, nectar-rich flowers.

Q: Can Hollisteria Lanata be propagated from cuttings?

A: Yes, Hollisteria Lanata can be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer or fall. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the cuttings in a bright, warm location until they root.

Related Plants

• Hollisteria eriophora
• Hollisteria rosei
• Hollisteria umbellata

References

• https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Hollisteria+lanata
• https://www.gardenista.com/plants/hollisteria-lanata-woolly-blue-curls/
• https://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=3616