Photo of Gilia capitata flower by The Marmot

Photo by The Marmot

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Gilia capitata

Also Known As

  • Blue Thimble Flower

Plant type

annual / biennial

size

  • H: 15"
  • W: 12"

planting zones

  • 1-11

More Options

Gilia capitata plant details

Gilia capitata is a broadleaf deciduous annual / biennial with green foliage. In spring and summer blue flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - bright shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Gilia capitata

Plant type: annual / biennial
Plant family: polemoniaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 12 IN wide, 15 IN tall
Flowers: blue blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, cottage garden, cutting garden, easy-to-grow, long-blooming, native plant, self-sowing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Gilia capitata

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

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This Californian annual carries pompoms of soft blue flowers profusely on slender stems which project from loose mounds of rich green, not too lacy foliage, all spring and into summer. Easily grown, self seeds and is much loved by butterflies, bees and other insects. Scratch seeds into well drained bare soil in autumn or early winter. Each pack contains a gluttonous 50+ seeds.

By: Zephs

Easy as pie and you’ll get loads of bloom over a period of months! A robust native to much of California, “Blue Thimble Flower” forms a bushy multi-branching annual to 15” tall by 12” across with dense, ferny, almost lacy, rich green foliage. Throughout Spring & well into Summer, it bears scented, laven­der blue flowers held in spherical clusters & loved by butterflies, bees &more! Lovely with natives Layia platyglossa “Tidy Tips” or Clarkia concinna “Pink Ribbons”. Full sun provides best display. Self-sows.

Gardening facts about Gilia capitata plant

How to Grow Gilia capitata

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - bright shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • blue
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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