Description

This hybrid plant involves our native blue curls and Trichostema purpusii, which is native to Mexico. T. purpusii is the only species of the genus that is endemic to Mexico. It grows in a rounded form with rose-pink flowers. Unlike all other members of the genus, the Mexican species is easy to grow. This motivated the breeding project that produced this hybrid, since T. lanatum is famously difficult to establish (though very hardy once established!). This hybrid is accepting of moderate water, and allows the gardener to enjoy some of the virtues of the native blue curl while avoiding some of the difficulties. The hybrid grows as a rounded, open shrub to four feet, with needle like leaves of exceptional fragrance. The flowers are purple, but lack the “woolly” buds of the native species.