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Annual Biennial

Gilia capitata
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

blue thimble flower

An erect annual with 2-pinnate leaves divided into slender segments, and spherical, pincushion-like heads 2-4cm across in summer, composed of tiny lavender-blue flowers

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Polemoniaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Gilia can be annuals or perennials, with simple or finely, pinnately divided leaves and salver-shaped or tubular, blue, pink or red flowers that may be solitary, in panicles or dense clusters

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in-situ in mid-spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Rock garden
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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