Overview
Gilia capitata is a columnar upright annual biennial in the genus Gilia, part of the Polemoniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Gilia capitata grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include rock garden, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden and wildlife gardens.
About
Gilia capitata is an upright annual featuring 2-pinnate leaves that are segmented into narrow parts. During the summer, it produces rounded flower heads measuring 2-4 cm in diameter, made up of numerous small lavender-blue blooms.
About the genus
Gilia comprises both annual and perennial species, characterized by either simple or intricately pinnately divided foliage. The flowers can be salver-shaped or tubular, appearing in shades of blue, pink, or red, and can be found solitary, in panicles, or grouped in dense clusters.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gilia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Gilia capitata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gilia capitata
- Cultivation
- Grow in a light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in-situ in mid-spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Gilia capitata?
Grow in a light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun.
Where is the best place to plant Gilia capitata?
Gilia capitata prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Gilia capitata need?
Gilia capitata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Gilia capitata?
Cut back after flowering.
How big does Gilia capitata grow?
Gilia capitata reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Gilia capitata hardy in the UK?
Gilia capitata has a UK hardiness rating of H4.
How do I propagate Gilia capitata?
Propagate by seed sown in-situ in mid-spring.
Is Gilia capitata good for pollinators?
Yes — Gilia capitata attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.