Woolly Blue Curls - Trichostema Lanatum
"Trichostema Lanatum (Romero or Woolly Blue Curls) is a highly fragrant, small evergreen shrub or sub-shrub, with curly and woolly blue flowers that give the plant its common name. It is native to oak woodlands, chaparral and coastal sage scrub communities in the southern half of the state and usually grows within 50 miles of the coast. In the drier southern part of its range, Woolly Blue Curls are often found in semi-riparian areas, near creek beds, and in bottom lands with more soil moisture. It is many-branched and grows to 1.5 meter (5 feet) tall, with narrow, pointed green leaves. The smooth-petaled blue flowers are born in dense clusters, with the stem and calyces covered in woolly hairs of blue, pink, or white. Hummingbirds are very attracted to the flowers. While Woolly Blue Curls are a spectacular plant, they are fairly difficult to keep alive for more than a few years. They are fire followers, and tend to have a short lifespan in nature. In landscaping applications, they need regular water their first year to become established. After that, even occasional summer water will sometimes kill it. If properly sited, it will usually tolerate light or indirect summer water up to 1x per month. They need very well draining soil, and do best if surrounded by rocks, not organic mulch. They like part shade or full sun. Even if your Woolly Blue Curls only last a few years, they are worth it. They'll grow to nearly full size within their first year, and start producing magnificent blue flowers soon after going into the ground."
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