Chinese Houses are a wild flower that is indigenous to California, but can grow in almost all areas. The blooms look at first glance like a lupine, but at second look, the blooms are notably bi-colored whorls that decrease in size as they go up the stem, resembling a Chinese pagoda. Bees adore these annuals and they are a host plant for different butterfly species.

Directly sow Chinese House flower seeds in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, or plant in the late fall after a killing frost.

Chinese House plants will perform in full sun and partial shade, and the soil should be rich, moist and drain well.

• Work the soil several inches in depth
• Add compost to improve drainage and add nutrients
• Scatter the flower seeds on the surface and press them in but do not cover
• Keep the seeds continually moist for germination

• Irrigate for establishment
• Very little care is needed
• Deadheading the spent flowers will encourage continued blooming
• Chinese Houses will self-sow for the next season