Flaxleaf Bouchea, Groovestem Bouchea

I have not grown this plant. Flaxleaf bouchea, groovestem bouchea (Bouchea linifolia) can be found in the Southern Trans-Pecos Region we...Read Morest to New Mexico, across to the southern Edwards Plateau Region of Texas (Uvalde) and south to Coahuila, Mexico in rocky desert limestone habitats. It grows well as far north and east as Dallas, Texas. It can be found on hillsides, prairies, plains, meadows, pastures and savannahs. It is extremely heat and drought tolerant.

An upright perennial, flaxleaf bouchea is sparsely branched and has ridged, erect stems; however, severe pruning while it is dormant will make it more compact and more full. It grows to a height of 1 to 3 feet. Normally, it is 2 to 3 feet tall. The narrow, thin, lanceolate to linear, opposite leaves are 1 3/4 inches long. The foliage usually goes dormant in the winter; however, it is sometimes semi-evergreen.

The blue-purple to lavender-purple, tubular, five lobed, 1¼ inch long flowers are found in loose terminal clusters on a spike that is 2 to 4 1/2 inches long. Flaxleaf bouchea blooms in May, June, July, August, September and October. Remove spent flowers to encourage rebloomimg. The nectar attracts several butterfly species. It produces a fruit that is a dry, linear berry which separates into two parts that have 1 nutlet each. The seed is very fine. Besides by seed, it may be propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings that are taken from April to June.

Flaxleaf bouchea needs well drained soil that is heavily laden with minerals and does not have much organic matter. Do not mulch the plants except with gravel. It is a perfect plant for dry gardens; however, it is infrequently available from local specialty growers or from out-of-region growers.

Flaxleaf Bouchea, Groovestem Bouchea Bouchea linifolia is Native to Texas and other States.