Phacelia campanularia (Desert Bluebell)
Desert Bluebell, California Bluebell, Arizona Bluebell, Desert Bells
Phacelia campanularia (Desert Bluebell) is a cool season annual boasting attractive clusters of bell-shaped, cobalt blue flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), adorned with protruding stamens with light-colored anthers. Blooming for about 4 weeks in spring, they rise with elegance on long, reddish stems above the foliage of coarsely toothed, dark green leaves. Beloved of bees and bumblebees, Desert Bluebell looks stunning with California poppies. Easy to grow, Phacelia campanularia adds charming blue color to the wildflower garden or rock garden.
- Grow up to 6-18 in. tall and wide (15-45 cm). Once established, it will self propagate.
- Thrives in full sun in fertile, well-drained soils. Irrigate only if rains fail.
- Low maintenance and highly disease and pest free, this plant is also drought tolerant.
- An excellent choice for mixed borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, wildlife gardens or prairie gardens.
- Propagate by seed sown in situ in spring or autumn.
- Contact with skin may cause irritation
- Native to California deserts.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
5 - 10 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Annuals |
| Plant Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Phacelia |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid, Late) |
| Height |
6" - 2' (20cm - 60cm) |
| Spread |
6" - 2' (20cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing |
12" - 18" (30cm - 50cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | California, New York, Northeast, United States |
| Tolerance | Drought, Dry Soil |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Recommended Companion Plants
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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 |
5 - 10 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Annuals |
| Plant Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Phacelia |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid, Late) |
| Height |
6" - 2' (20cm - 60cm) |
| Spread |
6" - 2' (20cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing |
12" - 18" (30cm - 50cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | California, New York, Northeast, United States |
| Tolerance | Drought, Dry Soil |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
