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Woolly blue curls

Trichostema lanatum

Description

Woolly blue curls is one of the most fascinating and attractive native flowering shrubs to both people and hummingbirds alike. It is small evergreen shrub growing with upright branches 2-3 ft. tall and spreading 3-4 ft. across. Its resinous aromatic foliage is comprised of dark green linear leaves, 2-3 in. long, have glossy and heavily wrinkled surfaces. Tall spikes of striking purple, blue and white flowers are rich in nectar and occur with greatest intensity in early spring and intermittently throughout the year.

Woolly blue curls is a highly popular native plant due to its remarkable flowers and long flowering season, which can be extended by removing older flowers. It requires well-drained soils and grows best with low amounts of supplemental water once established. It serves as a flowering accent shrub in native gardens, on banks, around rocks and in revegetation plantings. Cultivars of this species can sometimes be found at native plant nurseries that offer different foliage, form and flowering characteristics.

Plant Type: Shrub, Native
Foliage Character: Evergreen
Habit: Sprawling, Mounding
Growth Rate: Moderate
Foliage Color: Dark green
Flower Color: Purple
Flower Season: Spring
Soil Adaptations: Well-draining soil, Clay
Exposure Adaptations: Heat, Drought, All day sun
Function: Restoration, Hummingbird plant, Flowering accent plant, Borders, Fragrant foliage, Wildlife value
Height: 2 ft. – 3 ft.
Width: 3 ft. – 4 ft.

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