Parry's blue eyed mary (Collinsia parryi)

Also known as: Parry's Collinsia, Parry's blue-eyed Mary

Parry's blue-eyed Mary (Collinsia parviflora) is a fragile wildflower native to the grasslands of Western North America. It is recognized for its two-lipped, violet-blue blossoms that flourish in spring. This plant favors sunny, open areas and has a unique structure with foliage clustered at the base and flowers perched on slender stems, attracting pollinators to its nectar.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Parry's blue eyed mary

Lifespan

Annual

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

Up to 20 cm

Spread

Not applicable

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

About 1 cm

Flower Color

Blue and white

Images of Parry's blue eyed mary

Quickly Identify Parry's blue eyed mary

Identify this plant by its unique blue and white bicolored flowers with a distinct upper lip and lower lip structure. The plants usually grow close to the ground or up to a height of about 20 cm.

Scientific Classification of Parry's blue eyed mary

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Lamiales

Family

Plantain

Genus

Blue eyed Marys

Species

Parry's blue eyed mary

Planting and Growing of Parry's blue eyed mary

Care Difficulty

Moderate

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Parry's blue eyed mary?

Collinsia parryi requires a balanced watering approach. Generally, watering should aim to keep the soil consistently moist without being waterlogged. Approximately 150 milliliters each time should suffice, ensuring water reaches the root zone without pooling on the surface.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Parry's blue eyed mary? ›

What should I do if my Parry's blue eyed mary is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Parry's blue eyed mary? ›

How to save an overwatered Parry's blue eyed mary? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Parry's blue eyed mary?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours daily

Collinsia parryi thrives with 4–6 hours of light, ideally under partial sun to full sun. Adequate light ensures robust growth and vivid blooms essential for its lifecycle.

What is the ideal light condition? ›

How to achieve the ideal light condition? ›

What are the benefits of ideal lighting? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Parry's blue eyed mary?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Collinsia parryi, like many native plants from California, thrives best in temperate weather. Ideally, it should be grown in conditions where temperatures range from 60°F to 75°F. This range provides the right balance for optimal photosynthesis and growth, ensuring the plant's metabolic processes function smoothly.

What Soil is Best for Parry's blue eyed mary?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Collinsia parryi thrives in well-drained soils that prevent waterlogging. Good drainage is crucial as it ensures that the roots receive adequate oxygen and reduces the risk of root rot, promoting healthy growth. While Collinsia parryi can grow in less fertile soils, a nutrient-rich environment helps it flourish. Incorporating compost or well-rotted manure can enrich the soil, providing essential nutrients that support vibrant blooms and lush foliage. Maintaining moderate soil moisture is important for the optimal growth of Collinsia parryi. Consistent watering without over-saturating ensures the plant remains healthy, helping it withstand dry spells and continue to produce flowers.

How to Fertilize Parry's blue eyed mary?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Collinsia parryi benefits from modest fertilization; too much can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Use a diluted liquid fertilizer mixture, preferably at half the recommended strength for flowering plants. This ensures optimal growth without overwhelming the plant.

How to Prune Parry's blue eyed mary?

Pruning Time: Spring

Avoid heavy pruning as Collinsia parryi prefers lighter touch-ups. Remove no more than one-third of the plant at a time to prevent stress and ensure the plant continues to thrive without losing too much of its foliage. After pruning, it is beneficial to water the plant thoroughly and add a layer of mulch around the base. This keeps the soil moist and reduces stress on the plant, aiding recovery and growth. Avoid fertilizing immediately after pruning. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Parry's blue eyed mary plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring, Late spring

Begin by filling seed trays with a suitable potting mix. Sow the seeds thinly and cover them with a fine layer of soil. Ensure the soil is moist, but not waterlogged, to facilitate germination.

Place the seed trays in a location with ample indirect sunlight and consistent temperatures around 18-22°C (64-72°F). Monitor soil moisture levels and adjust as necessary to maintain a damp environment.

Once seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, gently transplant them into individual pots or a prepared planting bed. Handle the seedlings carefully to avoid damaging the roots.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Parry's blue eyed mary plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 1-2 years

Observe for signs such as roots growing out of the drainage holes or soil drying out too quickly. These are clear indicators that it's time for a repotting session for Collinsia parryi. Pick a time at the beginning of the growing season for best results.

Opt for a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. This provides ample space for root growth, prevents overcrowding, and enhances overall plant health, ensuring your Collinsia parryi thrives.

Select a well-draining, sandy soil mix to mimic the plant's natural environment. This prevents root rot and allows for optimal water and air circulation, creating a happy home for Collinsia parryi's roots.