"Pagodas are religious structures and typically people do not live in them. When its common name came into being - most Americans had very limited knowledge of Chinese culture. What knowledge they often held had been reduced down to stereotypes that have lingered on. One of the botanists (George Bentham) who identified this plant brought the seeds back to London in the 1830's.
The plant became a 'must have' in many gardens. The plant's exotic appearance captured the public's imagination and was affectionately called Chinese Houses. Reason #909 for learning and using the botanical names! The history of the botanical name and the common name often provide some amazing insights!" - The Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council website
Chinese Houses is a charming heirloom wildflower known for its unique, tiered blooms in shades of lavender, pink, and white. This easy-to-grow annual is perfect for beginner and experienced gardeners alike. Chinese Houses thrive in partial shade to full sun, making them a versatile choice for woodland gardens, cottage gardens, or naturalized spaces. Its striking flowers, which resemble a pagoda with their stacked appearance, attract bees and other pollinators, as well as being a larval host for the Checkerspot butterfly. Though an annual, it can reseed itself in favorable conditions, returning year after year.
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All Nimble NiteCap Seeds are:
- Heirloom
- Organic
- Non-GMO
- Open Pollinated
- Untreated
- US Grown
- Growing instructions included
- Regular testing is conducted to uphold the highest germination standards, all the while employing appropriate seed storage techniques.
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- NimbleNitecap seeds are packed in eco-friendly, compostable seed packets. Seed packets are printed in-house with vegetable-based inks on biodegradable, recycled materials. (Small plastic bags are infrequently used to prevent the loss of very small seeds.)
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- Most orders ship out the same or next business day! Please note that this time may be extended during peak season.
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Common Names: Chinese Houses
Latin Name: Collinsia heterophylla
Type: Wildflower
Life Cycle: Annual
USDA Zones: 3 - 10
Stratification: Not Required
Germination Ease: Easy
Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Sun
Moisture: Moderate
Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soils
Height: 12-24 inches
Spread: 6-12 inches
Color: Lavender, pink, and white flowers
Bloom Season: Spring to Early Summer
Companion Plants: California Poppy, Lupine, Blue-Eyed Grass
Potential Toxicity: Non-toxic
Climate Adaptability: Thrives in temperate climates with cool, moist springs
~ Sowing ~
When to Sow Outside:
Direct sow in early spring after the last frost or in fall for early blooms the following spring in milder climates.
When to Start Inside:
Not recommended; Chinese Houses prefer direct sowing.
Days to Emerge:
10-20 days
Seed Depth:
Plant seeds 1/8 inch deep.
Seed Spacing:
Space seeds 2-4 inches apart.
Row Spacing:
Space rows 12-18 inches apart.
Hardiness:
Frost-sensitive; plant after the danger of frost has passed.
~ Growing ~
Soil:
Chinese Houses prefer well-drained, loamy, or sandy soils but will tolerate poor soils. Amend the soil with organic matter for best growth.
Watering:
Keep soil moderately moist, especially during germination and early growth. Once established, Chinese Houses are somewhat drought-tolerant but will flower best with regular moisture.
Light and Temperature:
Prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Grows best in temperatures ranging from 55°F to 75°F.
Maintenance:
Low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care once established. Remove spent flowers to encourage continued blooming, or allow them to self-seed for future growth.
Container Friendly:
Can be grown in containers, but choose a wide, shallow pot to accommodate their spreading growth. Ensure good drainage.
~ Harvesting ~
When to Harvest:
Harvest flowers when they are fully open for fresh arrangements.
How to Harvest:
Snip flowers just above the base of the stem for best results.
Drying and Storing:
Not typically dried, but fresh flowers can be stored in water for several days.
Edible Use:
Chinese Houses are not typically used for edible purposes.
~ Seed Saving ~
Seed Collection:
Allow seed heads to dry on the plant. Once dry, gently shake the plant to release the seeds.
Seed Cleaning:
Remove seeds from the dried flower heads and air-dry them fully before storing.
Seed Storage:
Store seeds in a cool, dry place. Seeds remain viable for 1-2 years if properly stored.
~ Additional Information ~
Forage for Pollinators:
Chinese Houses are a magnet for bees and butterflies, making them an excellent addition to any pollinator garden.
Origin:
Native to California and the southwestern United States, Chinese Houses were named for their pagoda-like blooms, which resemble traditional Chinese architecture.
Nomenclature:
The genus "Collinsia" was named after Philadelphia botanist Zaccheus Collins, while "heterophylla" refers to the plant's different types of leaves.
History:
Used by Native Americans as an ornamental and to attract pollinators, Chinese Houses have long been admired for their striking beauty. Their unique tiered flowers make them a standout in wildflower mixes.
Potential Toxicity:
Non-toxic to humans and animals.
Climate Adaptability:
Well-suited to temperate climates with cool, moist springs, Chinese Houses will thrive in partial shade and reseed themselves in favorable conditions.
