Phacelia

Sunset

Zones 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 7-24

Full

Moderate, Minimal

All parts can cause an allergic rash

Boraginaceae
Annuals, Flowers

These easy-to-grow annuals bring lovely shades of blue to the spring garden. Sow in well-drained soil in fall or earliest spring; or sow in pots and transplant while seedlings are very small. Give some water to extend bloom season. Especially showy when combined with California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), sticky monkey flower (Mimulus aurantiacus), and other heat-loving annuals.

Phacelia campanularia, photo courtesy of Susan A. Roth

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Phacelia campanularia

Native to California deserts. To 6–18 in. high and wide, with coarsely toothed gray-green leaves. Clusters of 1-in., bell-shaped deep blue spring flowers with distinctive white dots at petal bases.

Phacelia tanacetifolia

From the deserts of Southern California and northern Mexico. Grows 1–4 ft. tall and 1 1/2 ft. wide, with much-divided, ferny-looking leaves. In spring, coiled flower heads unfurl to present a multitude of blue or lavender-blue blooms up to 1/2 in. across. Very attractive to bees and other beneficialinsects.