Collinsia heterophylla (Chinese Houses)

Collinsia heterophylla (Chinese Houses) is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae. It is native to western North America and is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and rocky slopes.

As unique it sounds, the look of the flower is on the next level. Tolerant to cold weather, the purple-colored Chinese flower can become the jewel of your backyard. Attractive to butterflies, moths, bees, and birds, the flower is perfect for those who like super-light fragrances. Blooms under the full sun, the flower is used in gardens, beds, borders, meadows, etc. It’ll be challenging for you to leave your garden.

Chinese Houses typically grows to a height of 20-60 cm, with an upright stem and ovate leaves that are 2-6 cm long. The plant produces clusters of showy flowers that are 2-3 cm in diameter and have a distinctive shape resembling the roofs of Chinese pagodas. The flowers are typically purple or blue, with white or yellow markings, and bloom from mid-spring to early summer.

Chinese Houses is a popular garden plant and is often used in wildflower seed mixes, borders, and other ornamental plantings. It prefers partial shade and well-drained soil and is relatively easy to grow from seed. The plant is also used in traditional medicine for its astringent and expectorant properties.

In addition to its ornamental and medicinal value, Chinese Houses has ecological value as a source of nectar for pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The plant is also an important food source for some native butterfly larvae, including the larvae of the checkerspot butterfly.