Overview
Collinsia verna is a plant with a upright habit in the genus Collinsia, part of the Scrophulariaceae family, with green foliage. Collinsia verna grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include annual bedding, containers and cut flowers.
About
Collinsia verna, commonly known as blue-eyed Mary, is an upright annual plant in the Scrophulariaceae family. It features green foliage and thrives in full sun with a south-facing, sheltered aspect. This cultivar prefers fertile, well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH and is hardy to UK zone H3. It is suitable for use in annual bedding, containers, and as cut flowers, with interest during spring and summer. Propagation is by seed.
About the genus
Collinsia is a genus of about 20 species of annual flowering plants, consisting of the blue eyed Marys and the Chinese houses. It was traditionally placed in the snapdragon family Scrophulariaceae, but following recent research in molecular genetics, it has now been placed in a much enlarged family Plantaginaceae.
Wikipedia contributors, "Collinsia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Collinsia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Collinsia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Collinsia verna size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Upright
- Foliage
- Green
- Suggested uses
- Annual bedding, containers, cut flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Collinsia verna
- Propagation
- Seed
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Collinsia verna?
Collinsia verna prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Collinsia verna need?
Collinsia verna grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Collinsia verna hardy in the UK?
Collinsia verna has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Collinsia verna?
Seed.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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