Gilia tricolor (Bird’s-Eyes)

A true beauty, Gilia tricolor (Bird’s-Eyes) is a much-branched annual wildflower boasting pale-blue or violet flowers adorned with powder-blue stamens, a yellow throat, and a dark-purple ring atop the throat. These three striking colors earned it its scientific name, Gilia tricolor. The charming blossoms have a sweet chocolate scent and bloom profusely in early to mid-spring. Although the flowers are very small, 1/2 in. (1 cm), they stand out in mass plantings. Rich in nectar, they are frequently visited by butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. They are borne atop upright stems and surrounded by soft, feathery foliage of pinnately dissected leaves. Endemic throughout California, Gilia tricolor is easy to grow, drought tolerant, and requires little care.

• Grows up to 4-18 in. tall (10-45 cm) and 9 in. wide (22 cm). Self-sows readily in the garden and reliably returns each spring.
• Thrives in full sun, in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soils. It Tolerates clay but does best in well-drained soil.
• A wonderful addition to the garden, this enthusiastic bloomer is well suited to beds and borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, butterfly gardens, or prairies and meadows.
• Easy-care plant with no serious pest or disease issues.
• Cut back after flowering.
• Propagate by seed. Seeds may be sown from autumn to early spring, but germination is better when planted with autumn rains. No pretreatment is necessary, although two weeks of stratification improves germination.
• Native to California.