Saturday, September 17, 2016

California Gardeners: Add Woolly Bluecurls to Your Fall Planting List (7 photos)

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.


from Houzz http://ift.tt/2cyAPBT


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