Purple Chinese Houses (Collinsia heterophylla) is a graceful annual wildflower native to California, with its range extending into parts of Oregon and Baja California. This plant is popular for its unique and eye-catching flowers, which are arranged in tiered whorls that resemble pagodas. The delicate blooms range in color from soft lavender to deep purple, often with contrasting white centers. A member of the Plantaginaceae family, Purple Chinese Houses thrive in woodlands, chaparral, and coastal scrub, and equally useful for improving the beauty and ecological value of native plant gardens and wildflower meadows.
 
Blooming in late spring to early summer, Purple Chinese Houses attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. Native bees, such as bumblebees, are especially drawn to its nectar-rich flowers. In addition to its aesthetic and ecological benefits, Purple Chinese Houses are easy to grow, making them a popular choice for gardeners seeking to enhance biodiversity in their landscapes.
 
This adaptable plant prefers partial shade to full sun and grows best in well-drained soils, including sandy or loamy types. It is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Purple Chinese Houses are ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and mixed wildflower plantings. The seeds are easy to germinate and can be direct sown in the fall or early spring for blooms in the following season. Its ability to self-seed ensures that it will return year after year in suitable conditions, making it an excellent choice for naturalized settings.