Collinsia is a herbaceous flowering annual that belongs to the plantain family or Norichnikov family, if we take into account earlier botanical sources. There are about 20 wild plant species, however, only Collinia varifolia is grown as a cultural representative of the flora.
Description of the collinsia plant
The thin stems of the annual grow up to 60 cm in height, are capable of branching, the surface is slightly pubescent. The leaves are elongated and have pointed tops. The leaf blades of the lower tier are petiolate, and those located above are sessile. The inflorescences are colored purple and look like multi-level Chinese houses. Collincia got its name in honor of the famous American botanist, who studied wild flora all his life. Under natural conditions, the plant is found mainly in North America.
Bushes can thrive and thrive in shaded areas. The flower is undemanding to care for. It is grown from seeds or seedlings.
Growing collins from seeds
Sowing seeds
Seeds are able to maintain the germination property for up to three years. They can be purchased at any specialty store that sells horticultural crops and tools. The expiration date must be indicated on the seed packaging.
Sowing is allowed directly into open ground with the arrival of spring, when the air temperature stabilizes and will be 18-20 degrees. Planting usually begins in early May. You should not worry about light spring frosts, as the seeds are quite resistant to temperatures down to -4 degrees.
The site is dug up and carefully leveled. 3-4 seeds are placed in each well. Under favorable climatic conditions, the first green shoots appear after a few weeks. If the weather worsens, the shoots will become visible a little later.
Sowing is also allowed in the fall. So that the seeds do not die in winter, it is recommended to cover the garden bed with dry foliage or spruce branches.
Seedlings that have grown by 5 cm must be thinned out and planted in separate holes at a distance of 15-20 cm from each other.
Collinsia seedlings
To get strong and healthy seedlings, it is better to grow them at home. Sowing seeds is performed at the end of March. To do this, you need to take a wide container and fill it with a special potting soil mixture for growing seedlings. The seeds are evenly spread over the soil surface and pressed. Then it is sprayed with water.
From above, the crops are covered with foil or glass, thus creating a greenhouse effect. The seed containers are stored in a well-lit room and kept at room temperature. Seedlings are regularly watered with a sprayer and ventilated, leaving without film for 10-15 minutes every day. As soon as a couple of green leaves appear, the protective cover can be completely removed.
Watering should be moderate.An open ground transplant is recommended in May. In order for the seedlings to harden properly, they are taken out into the fresh air during the day.
Collins planting in open ground
Before you start planting, you need to pre-select a site and prepare the soil. Collinsia prefers to grow near bushes, squat trees, i.e. in places where there is a diffuse shadow. As a rule, the sun's rays can then hit the plant only in the early morning or evening.
The soil should be well-drained and moderately fertile, have an acidic or slightly alkaline environment. If the site where the collinsia will be grown is close to the groundwater level, then you will have to make the bed as high as possible, otherwise the root system of the flower will soon rot.
Collins care outdoors
Collinsia, like any other annual, needs timely watering, loosening the site and feeding. The bushes are watered if the summer is very dry. Usually, natural precipitation is sufficient for the full growth and development of the plant.
It is not necessary to feed a plot with fertile and nutritious soil. The poor soil is enriched with mineral compounds intended for flowering plants. The soil is loosened and weeds are removed from the garden bed, which interfere with the growth of the flower.
Collinsia bloom
Collinsia begins to bloom in early summer and exudes a pleasant sweet scent that attracts bees. The flowering process continues for three months.
Corollas consist of two-lipped petals, with the upper lip painted in white and the lower lip pink. Corollas are of medium length. Whorls are formed from the inflorescences, which are placed on the stem in several rows. The length of the inflorescence does not exceed 10 cm. At the very top there are smaller corollas. In our latitudes, the variety Stranger with pink flowers is especially popular.
Diseases and pests
Collinsia is resistant to various diseases, but serious problems arise due to excessive soil moisture. The accumulation of water near the root system triggers the decay process.
Collinsia in landscape design
Collinsia bushes are planted as ground covers due to the branching ability of thin stems. As a result, you can get a bright purple blooming carpet, which is able to fill the garden area with a pleasant fragrance.
Bushes are planted near curbs, in rabatkas or in separate groups. Collinsias are combined with wildflowers, and beautiful multicolored mixes with lavender, poppy, salvia, cornflowers, daisies or cereals will be a great decoration in any garden.
The plant is grown on a balcony or loggias, in hanging baskets. Before the onset of autumn frosts, the garden containers are moved indoors. Being in a cool place, flower stalks will delight with flowering for some time.
Types and varieties of collinsia
Collinsia varifolia chinaishauses - This is a herbaceous annual, the stems of which grow up to 35 cm. Bright and lush flowering occurs in June-August. The opened buds resemble antirrinum flowers. The plant grows well in shaded areas, where a high humus content in the soil prevails. Seeds can be planted before winter.
Collincia vernal bushes - are capable of reaching a length of 15-40 cm. The stems are highly spreading and tend to lodge, therefore, some varieties are considered creeping. The surface of the shoots is slightly pubescent, the tiny inflorescences are double-lipped whorled, and the lip looks lighter on top, and dark on the bottom. The color of the flowers is blue with blue or white with blue. You can see flowering in May-June.
Collinsia small-flowered - is a low-growing wild shrub with blue flowers that form loose inflorescences. The shape of the leaves is oval.
Collincia grandiflorum -looks like a low ground cover. The stems are covered with small leaves.The attractive appearance of the plant is given by large five-lobed flowers, which are collected in whorled inflorescences, painted in purple, pink or blue tones. Each inflorescence contains from 5 to 9 pcs. Flowering begins in early summer.
