Photo of Phacelia tanacetifolia flower by Curtis Clark

Photo by Curtis Clark

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic license.

Show all photos

Phacelia tanacetifolia

Also Known As

  • Lacy Phacelia

Plant type

annual / biennial

size

  • H: 18"-24"
  • W: 12"-15"

planting zones

  • 1-11

More Options

Phacelia tanacetifolia plant details

Phacelia tanacetifolia is a broadleaf deciduous annual / biennial with green foliage. In spring and summer lavender and purple flowers emerge. Attracts bees, birds and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average and gritty soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Phacelia tanacetifolia

Plant type: annual / biennial
Plant family: boraginaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 12 IN - 15 IN - wide, 18 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: lavender and purple blooms in spring and summer
Uses: cottage garden, cutting garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Phacelia tanacetifolia

USDA Zones: 1 - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: average and gritty

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Lacy Phacelia is a an annual California native wildflower with bright blue fuzzy flowers on 2' stalks. Fragrant Lacy phacelia will flower abundantly and for a long period if time during spring-summer. It is a valuable addition to any wildflower garden. Will need good drainage Phacelia is listed as one of the top 20 honey-producing flowers for honeybees and is also highly attractive to bumblebees and syrphid (hover) flies that will eat aphids. Native to California and also found outside of California, but is confined to western North America. Great insectory plant. No Historical Use found. Found in slopes. Communitites located in Yellow Pine Forest, Foothill Woodland, Chaparral, Valley Grassland Between 0 and 6000 feet.
Lush green rosettes of delicate, lacy, fern-like leaves are topped in spring by clusters of soft mauvy blue flowers, supped by every nectar feeding insect that passes. An easy winter annual from south western North America that is often grown as a green manure and to attract pollinators to fruit or vegetable crops. Scratch seeds into bare sunny soil during autumn or early winter. Each pack contains surplus of 50+ seeds.

By: Zephs

Gardening facts about Phacelia tanacetifolia plant

How to Grow Phacelia tanacetifolia

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • gritty

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • lavender
    • purple
  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • bees
    • butterflies
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2024 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved