Photo of Gilia tricolor flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Gilia tricolor

Also Known As

  • Birds Eyes

Plant type

annual / biennial

size

  • H: 24"
  • W: 18"

planting zones

  • 1-11

More Options

Gilia tricolor plant details

Gilia tricolor is a broadleaf deciduous annual / biennial with green foliage. In spring and summer blue and purple flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Gilia tricolor

Plant type: annual / biennial
Plant family: polemoniaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 18 IN wide, 24 IN tall
Flowers: blue and purple blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, cottage garden, cutting garden, long-blooming, native plant, self-sowing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Gilia tricolor

USDA Zones: 1 - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

An intricately colored annual California wildflower. Bird's eye gilia is charming and dependable, thriving in sun or part-shade. Light-blue or violet flowers are set off by powder-blue stamens and a yellow throat with a dark purple ring at the top. Has a subtle sweet scent. Excellent in bouquets. Native to the Central Valley and foothills of the Sierra Nevada and Coast Ranges in California. Self sows. Endemic to California The flower is a favorite of hummingbirds. No Historical Uses found. Found in slopes. Communitites located in Foothill Woodland, Valley Grassland Between 0 and 4000 feet.
A self sowing Californian annual that parades all spring, into summer, masses of 1cm, five petalled, almost circular flowers, delicately coloured a soft mauve fading to white towards a dark centre which is accented by dainty pale blue stamens. Each a work of art in miniature complimented by lacy soft green foliage. Does well in a pot to replace or compliment gaudy modern hybrid annuals or could even be planted with other Californians. Scratch into bare sunny soil, where they are to grow, in autumn or winter. Each pack contains a generous 50+ seeds.

By: Zephs

Have you grown our CA native “Bird’s Eyes” yet? Oh, but you must! Much visited by bees, they are so easy and exude the sweetness of Spring with their flowers, form & lovely chocolate scent! Extremely floriferous, you’ll get hundreds of these entrancing, 1/2” light blue or violet flowers, set off by powder-blue stamen & a yellow throat with a dark purple ring at the top. Blooms on bushy, ferny upright stems. Highly rewarding, this heart stealer looks great in any type of garden, self-sows & makes the best old-fashioned bouquets. Magical with roses! 24” x 18.” Tolerant of neglect.

Gardening facts about Gilia tricolor plant

How to Grow Gilia tricolor

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - low
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • blue
    • purple
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • glossy
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