Innocence (Collinsia heterophylla) is one of California’s most delightful wildflowers, also called Chinese Houses, this drought tolerant annual herb is a sight to behold. The plant is characterized by lush white, rose and purple blooms that are tiered in whorls near the top of the 2-foot stalks. The flowers are bilaterally symmetrical and grow in several widely spaced whorls at the top of a sparsely leafy stem. The upper lip of the flowers is lilac or white, while the lower lip is rose-purple or violet. The stem is clutched by bright-green, lance-shaped leaves, and a velvety fuzz often covers the entire plant, including the flowers. source
Innocence (Collinsia heterophylla) wildflower belongs to the Collinsia species, which is predominantly found in California but can also be found in Illinois and Kentucky.
- Drought tolerant
- Best propagated by seed; sow seeds in fall or early spring for the optimal flowering season
- Grows up to 12-24 inches tall and wide (30-60 cm)
- Flourishes in part shade, rich, loamy, well-drained soils
- Host to 3 Butterflies source
- Flowering season can be lengthened by removing withering flowers before fruit has been set
- Plant under trees with our other seeds including the Native Wildflower Mix, Xerces Mix, California Poppy, Sonoma Poppy
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