Phacelia californica (California Phacelia)
California Phacelia, Rock Phacelia, California Scorpionweed
Phacelia californica (California Phacelia) is a decumbent to erect perennial boasting dense, tightly coiled clusters of pale blue to lavender flowers with long, conspicuous stamens. Resembling the tail of a scorpion, they provide pollen and nectar for native bees and other beneficial insects during an extended blooming period. The flowers provide an important nectar source for the endangered Mission blue butterfly. Blooming from early spring to late summer, they emerge from a lush rosette of ovate, generally compound leaves, 8 in. long (20 cm), adorned with prominent veins. The attractive blossoms, long blooming period, and drought tolerance of California Phacelia make it an excellent wildflower species to use in water-wise gardens, low maintenance, and naturalistic landscapes. A great plant for a dry rockery. Native to coastal northern California and Oregon, California Phacelia occurs naturally in chaparral, woodland, and coastal bluffs and grassland.
- Grow up to 6-18 in. tall (15-45 cm) and 12-24 in. wide (30-60 cm).
- Thrives in full sun to part shade in dry, well-drained soils. Do not irrigate once established. Drought tolerant once established.
- No serious pest or disease issues.
- An excellent choice for rock gardens, wildlife gardens or prairie gardens.
- Native to coastal northern California and Oregon.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 6
– 10 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 7, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Phacelia |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 6" – 2' (15cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 12" – 24" (30cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Oregon |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Az3, Chuck B, Flickr, Sundry Photography, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 6
– 10 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 7, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Phacelia |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 6" – 2' (15cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 12" – 24" (30cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Oregon |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |