How to Grow and Care for Trumpets

Grand collomia (Collomia grandiflora) is a member of the phlox family. Its genus name of “Collomia” comes from the Greek word for “glue.” It has that name because the seeds are super sticky. The specific epithet of “grandflora” means “large-flowered.”

Tiny trumpets (Collomia linearis) plants have an interesting seed. This seed is inside the fruit, which is a capsule divided into three sections. When the fruit is ripe, the seed is expelled from one of the parts and thrown to the ground. When it gets rained on, a myriad of sticky threads unspool from the seed. These threads adhere the seed to the ground, so it has a chance to sprout.

Variableleaf collomia (Collomia heterophylla) is an annual herbaceous plant that can grow from 15 to 41 cm tall. It blooms from spring to summer with clusters of small pinkish-white to lavender flowers. Flowers have five petals and have a star-like shape. It thrives in full sun and prefers rocky sandy soil.

Tracy's collomia is a resilient perennial herb that thrives in rocky, mountainous regions. It displays a bright array of funnel-shaped flowers, usually in hues of vivid blue to purple, which emerge from clustered, leafy stems. The lanceolate leaves and erect growth habit of tracy's collomia allow it to capture sunlight efficiently at high altitudes, contributing to its survival in such rugged environments.

Serpentine collomia is an intriguing flowering species known for its ability to thrive in a variety of environments. Possessing clusters of vivid, tubular flowers, it stands out in rocky or sandy habitats. Its green foliage, often mistaken for a backdrop, is key to withstanding dry and nutrient-poor conditions. This adaptability makes serpentine collomia a resilient and visually appealing component of its native ecological tapestry.