Phacelia tanacetifolia
fiddleneck
P. tanacetifolia is a robust winter annual of variable height, 20-120cm, with fern-like pinnately cut leaves, sometimes rather grey-green, and abundant, densely set soft blue or lavender-blue flowers in terminal, curved cymes during summer. Very attractive to bees and other insects
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Blue | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Phacelia can be annuals, biennials or perennials with pinnately divided leaves and racemes or panicles of tubular or bell-shaped blue, white or yellow flowers, attractive to insects
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed in situ in spring or early autumn; self seeds freely in a sunny position
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Prairie planting
- Wildlife gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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