Torrey's blue eyed mary (Collinsia torreyi)

Also known as: Blue-eyed Mary, Chinese Houses

This annual herb features a slim, reddish stem that can reach approximately 25 centimeters in height. The corolla is compact, measuring less than a centimeter in length, and is composed of distinct lobes: two upper lobes that are white or lightly tinted with lavender, and three lower lobes that range from a deeper lavender to purple hue.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Torrey's blue eyed mary

Lifespan

Annual

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

15-30 cm

Spread

N/A

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1-1.5 cm

Flower Color

Blue and white

Images of Torrey's blue eyed mary

Quickly Identify Torrey's blue eyed mary

Look for a slender plant with opposite leaves and small, bi-colored flowers, typically in shades of blue and white. The flowers are bilaterally symmetrical and grow in whorls.

Scientific Classification of Torrey's blue eyed mary

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Lamiales

Family

Plantain

Genus

Blue eyed Marys

Species

Torrey's blue eyed mary

Planting and Growing of Torrey's blue eyed mary

Care Difficulty

Moderate

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-75℉

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

Once a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Terracotta, Plastic

How to Water Torrey's blue eyed mary?

Collinsia torreyi prefers moderate watering; ensure approximately 200 ml of water per session. Water until the soil feels consistently moist, but not overly saturated. Avoid letting water pool at the bottom of the container to prevent root rot.

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

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

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

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

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

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours

Collinsia torreyi flourishes in both partial and full sun, benefiting from 4 to 6 hours of sunlight. Proper light ensures healthy development, supporting rich foliage and vibrant blooming.

Why does Collinsia torreyi need ample sunlight? ›

What is the best way to provide ideal sunlight to Collinsia torreyi? ›

How does receiving ideal light impact Collinsia torreyi? ›

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

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for Collinsia torreyi cultivation is essential for optimal growth and development. Maintaining a range between 65°F and 75°F allows the plant to thrive, providing the best conditions for photosynthesis and nutrient uptake. This temperature range mimics its natural habitat's stable climate, ensuring the plant remains healthy and vigorous.

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

Soil type: Sandy loam, Loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Collinsia torreyi thrives in well-drained soil, which prevents water from pooling around the roots and causing rot. This requirement ensures that the plant can access oxygen and nutrients efficiently, promoting healthy growth and vibrant blooms. The plant benefits from nutrient-rich substrates that provide essential minerals for its development. Incorporating organic matter like compost can boost the soil's fertility, supporting strong root systems and lush foliage. Collinsia torreyi prefers soil that retains moderate moisture without becoming waterlogged. This balance allows the soil to stay moist while still facilitating adequate drainage, ensuring the plant does not suffer from drought stress.

How to Fertilize Torrey's blue eyed mary?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Collinsia torreyi is a modest feeder, preferring light fertilization. Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer at half the recommended strength to avoid overfeeding. This plant requires minimal fertilizer, ensuring its native nutrient uptake is undisturbed.

How to Prune Torrey's blue eyed mary?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by removing any dead or damaged stems, using sharp scissors to make clean cuts. Focus on cutting above a healthy leaf node to encourage new growth. Thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation and light penetration. Regularly assess plant size and shape, maintaining its natural form by trimming selectively. Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at once to prevent stress. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Torrey's blue eyed mary plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring

Harvest seeds from a mature Collinsia torreyi plant when its seed pods turn brown and dry. Gently open the pods over a clean surface and collect the seeds, ensuring they are free from any plant debris.

Choose healthy stems and make clean cuts just below a node. Remove the lower leaves to minimize moisture loss, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage quicker root development.

Fill a seed tray with a well-draining potting mix. For seeds, sprinkle them evenly on the surface and lightly press into the mix. For cuttings, insert the cut ends into holes made with a stick and firm the soil around them.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Torrey's blue eyed mary plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 1-2 years

Keep an eye on the plant's growth and root development. If the roots start appearing on the soil's surface or growing through the drainage holes, it's time to repot. Additionally, if water seems to drain too quickly, the roots may be overcrowded, indicating a need for repotting.

Select a pot that is one size larger than the current one. Ensure it has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. The size increase encourages root expansion, while drainage holes help maintain ideal moisture levels, critical for Collinsia torreyi's health.

Opt for a well-draining soil mix, ideally balanced with components like sand and peat. This promotes proper aeration and prevents root rot by draining excess water away from the roots swiftly.