Trichostema lanatum
woolly bluecurls
California and northern Baja California
Overview
Trichostema lanatum is an evergreen shrub in the mint family, native to the dry coastal hills and chaparral of California. It grows 3-5 feet (90-150 cm) tall and wide, with an upright, rounded form and narrow, aromatic, dark green leaves 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm) long that have rolled-under edges and white wool on the undersides. From spring into summer it carries dense whorls of flowers along upright spikes, each flower blue to violet with long, strongly arching stamens that curl outward, the source of the name bluecurls. The flower stalks and buds are coated in dense purple to blue woolly hairs, so the spikes show color even before the flowers open. It grows on dry, rocky, sun-baked slopes with sharp drainage and little summer water. The foliage is strongly scented when brushed. It is sensitive to wet soils, summer irrigation, and humidity, which shorten its life, and it tends to be short-lived even in good conditions, often lasting only five to ten years.
Native Range
Trichostema lanatum is native to California and northern Baja California, Mexico, where it grows in dry chaparral and coastal scrub on rocky slopes below about 3,000 feet (900 m).Suggested Uses
Trichostema lanatum is used in California native gardens, dry slopes, and water-wise plantings with sharp drainage. It draws hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Its aromatic foliage and woolly flower spikes suit hot, sunny, low-water beds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread3' - 5'
Bloom Information
Blue to violet flowers open along woolly spikes from spring into summer (April-July), and scattered bloom can continue later with some moisture. The colored woolly buds extend the display before and after the flowers open. The flowers draw hummingbirds and bees, and seeds follow in summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
blue to violetFoliage Description
dark green, white-woolly beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Trichostema lanatum grows in full sun and fast-draining, rocky or sandy soils and needs little to no summer water once established. It is hardy in roughly USDA zones 8-10 and is damaged by hard frost. Plant it in fall or early spring on a dry slope or raised, gritty bed, and water only to establish it. Summer irrigation, wet soil, and high humidity promote root rot and cut its life short. It is short-lived, often five to ten years, and is renewed by replacing plants or growing new ones from seed or cuttings. Light tip pruning after bloom keeps it dense.Pruning
Prune lightly after the main bloom to remove spent flower spikes and shape the plant. Cutting back into old, leafless wood produces slow or no regrowth, so pruning stays within leafy stems.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons