Gilia capitata

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blue thimble flower

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blue thimble flower RHS 1999
blue thimble flower RHS 1999
blue thimble flower RHS 1999
blue thimble flower Dorling Kindersley 2003
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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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Polemoniaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free