Collinsia heterophylla
Chinese Houses

Spires of small, pagoda-shaped, light purple and white blooms are 1-2' tall.  Chinese Houses is an annual.  It grows quickly, blooms heavily, and dies with first frost. Can regrow following spring if seed falls on bare ground. 

This California native annual appreciates rich, moist soil.  Great near ditches or areas that stay moist. Plant spring or fall, and simply scatter seed on loosened soil and then compress the seed into the dirt by lightly walking on it. Do not cover with soil. Easy to grow.