About
This sturdy winter annual of variable height, 20-120cm, with fern-like pinnately cut leaves, sometimes rather grey-green, and abundant, densely set soft blue or lavender-blue flowers in terminal, curved cymes during summer. Very attractive to bees and other insects.
About the genus
Phacelia can be annuals, biennials or perennials with pinnately divided leaves and racemes or panicles of tubular or bell-shaped blue, white or yellow flowers, attractive to insects
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesPrairie planting, Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. May be grown as green manure; see our video How to grow and sow green manure for advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in situ in spring or early autumn; self seeds freely in a sunny position
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free