Collinsia Grandiflora: Blue Eyed Mary and Large-flowered Collinsia
You might feel that the name Collinsia grandiflora is somewhat misleading. Grandiflora means “with large flowers” - and that for a species with flowers l/2 in wide, on stems which are only 12 in high! It is therefore a very tenuous little plant that comes into its own when grown in large drifts in a natural-looking garden. It is also a suitable container plant for anyone with a liking for sophistication.
Collinsia grandiflora is a species of flowering plant in the plantain family known by the common names giant blue eyed Mary and large-flowered collinsia.
The species grows naturally in the western regions of North America, from California in the south right up to British Columbia in Canada. It sows itself there in late summer, and the seedlings are fully hardy. In Europe, it is therefore possible to sow the seeds directly in the garden either in the autumn or in early spring. The plants like partial shade - although they can tolerate hot sunlight - and moisture-retentive, humus-rich soil. They flower from June to September, and their flowering season may be extended by repeated sowing. Collinsia also attracts many bees.
