Flowers and Plants
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California Gardeners: Add Woolly Bluecurls to Your Fall Planting List
This native evergreen shrub enchants with its delightful fragrance, nearly year-round blooms and benefits to pollinators
Woolly bluecurls (Trichostema lanatum) is a must-have for well-draining sites in water-wise gardens. Its blooms, which occur nearly year-round, appear in luxurious shades of violet and are covered in soft hairs that are delightful to the touch. An ambrosial resin coats the evergreen shrub, giving off a scent that balances fruity and tangy.
Not in California? Find plants for your region
Not in California? Find plants for your region
Botanical name: Trichostema lanatum
Common names: Woolly bluecurls, romero
Origin: Native to the California Coast Ranges as far north as San Benito County and as far south as northern Baja California, Mexico
Where it will grow: May tolerate temperatures down to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (USDA zones 9 and higher; find your zone)
Typical plant communities: Coastal scrub and chaparral
Water requirement: Regular watering during establishment (first year), then drought-tolerant with minimal supplemental water required
Light requirement: Full sun to partial sun
Mature size: 3 to 4 feet tall and wide
Common names: Woolly bluecurls, romero
Origin: Native to the California Coast Ranges as far north as San Benito County and as far south as northern Baja California, Mexico
Where it will grow: May tolerate temperatures down to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (USDA zones 9 and higher; find your zone)
Typical plant communities: Coastal scrub and chaparral
Water requirement: Regular watering during establishment (first year), then drought-tolerant with minimal supplemental water required
Light requirement: Full sun to partial sun
Mature size: 3 to 4 feet tall and wide
Benefits and tolerances: Tolerates a variety of soil types but needs good drainage; supports numerous pollinators; looks lush with minimal water after first year
Seasonal interest: Stunning flower display in spring, summer and fall
When to plant: Cool season (late October to February) in Southern California and areas of similar climate, to utilize winter rains and cooler temperatures during plant’s establishment period
Seasonal interest: Stunning flower display in spring, summer and fall
When to plant: Cool season (late October to February) in Southern California and areas of similar climate, to utilize winter rains and cooler temperatures during plant’s establishment period
Photo by StephanieFalzone
Distinguishing traits. Gorgeous from afar, the flower spikes of Trichostema lanatum also merit a closer look. Soft blue hairs (hence the common name woolly bluecurls) blanket the flower stalk, along which are clusters of tiny buds and flowers. Each flower has four long anthers, which reach out like flamboyant antennae and contain pollen for bumblebees and more. Looking even closer, you’ll see small white markings on the flower. They are called nectar guides, and they signify to butterflies and hummingbirds where to go to find the good stuff.
Woolly bluecurls’ scent is sweet, fruity and delicious, I have heard it described as grape soda, watermelon or a floral bubblegum. A scented resin coats the rosemary-like leaves and flowers. The softest brush of the hand is enough to get this delightful scent onto your fingers to enjoy its ambrosial aroma.
Distinguishing traits. Gorgeous from afar, the flower spikes of Trichostema lanatum also merit a closer look. Soft blue hairs (hence the common name woolly bluecurls) blanket the flower stalk, along which are clusters of tiny buds and flowers. Each flower has four long anthers, which reach out like flamboyant antennae and contain pollen for bumblebees and more. Looking even closer, you’ll see small white markings on the flower. They are called nectar guides, and they signify to butterflies and hummingbirds where to go to find the good stuff.
Woolly bluecurls’ scent is sweet, fruity and delicious, I have heard it described as grape soda, watermelon or a floral bubblegum. A scented resin coats the rosemary-like leaves and flowers. The softest brush of the hand is enough to get this delightful scent onto your fingers to enjoy its ambrosial aroma.
How to use it. Woolly bluecurls looks lovely when massed or as an alternating accent plant, with its purple color cheering up any area of the landscape that has full to partial sun. Its tiny, bright green leaves, which resemble rosemary leaves, contrast nicely with plants that have more silvery-toned foliage, such as native sages.
Woolly bluecurls can also grow in containers. Plant in a medium to large container in a partially sunny location. Use a well-draining potting mix designed for cactuses and succulents, and water once a week, twice a week if temperatures exceed 90 degrees (32.2 degrees Celsius). In containers, the plant needs more regular watering, even after establishment, than it does in the ground.
Planting notes. Woolly bluecurls can be started from seed or a 1-gallon container. It can be difficult to find but is worth looking for. California gardeners should check their local native plant nursery for availability.
Woolly bluecurls is a woody shrub sensitive to crown rot. When planting, be sure to set the crown slightly above the soil grade (roughly quarter-inch) so that moist soil does not sit directly against the woody stems. It has been known to dislike woody mulches around its base for the same reason, though gravel mulches are fine. Plant in well-drained soil.
Unlike many other woody shrubs, woolly bluecurls won’t tolerate being cut back to old wood for rejuvenation. Minimal maintenance is best for this shrub. Only the carefullest pruning of dead stalks or branches is tolerated (be sure to sterilize your pruners beforehand). Pinching young plants can help encourage bushier shrubs and more flowers.
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Find out how to grow other Great Design Plants
Woolly bluecurls is a woody shrub sensitive to crown rot. When planting, be sure to set the crown slightly above the soil grade (roughly quarter-inch) so that moist soil does not sit directly against the woody stems. It has been known to dislike woody mulches around its base for the same reason, though gravel mulches are fine. Plant in well-drained soil.
Unlike many other woody shrubs, woolly bluecurls won’t tolerate being cut back to old wood for rejuvenation. Minimal maintenance is best for this shrub. Only the carefullest pruning of dead stalks or branches is tolerated (be sure to sterilize your pruners beforehand). Pinching young plants can help encourage bushier shrubs and more flowers.
See more California natives
Find out how to grow other Great Design Plants