Phacelia tanacetifolia

RHS Plant Profile
fiddleneck
Plants for pollinators
Annual Biennial

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 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
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Boraginaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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. May be grown as green manure; see our video How to grow and sow green manure for advice

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