Phacelia species are excellent spring bee plants, providing an important nectar and pollen source for many early season native bees. Bumble bees are frequent visitors, as well as mining (genus Andrena) and mason (genus Osmia) bees.

 

The seeds of many annual varieties, including tansy phacelia, are easy to sow directly in the ground, resulting in prolific spring blooms.

 

Native Regions

Throughout North America, with the exception of Florida, parts of northern New England and eastern Canada

 

Availability

Most regions of North America

 

Duration

Some Phacelia species are perennial, but most are annual species

 

Bloom Time

Spring

 

Average Height

3 feet

 

Flower Color

White

Purple

Blue

Pink

 

Exposure

Full sun or sun to partial shade in hotter locations

 

Water Requirements

Average to dry

 

Recommended Species

The most attractive species are native to the western United States but have been widely introduced elsewhere.  Particularly attractive species include:

 

Phacelia tanacetipholia (tansy or lacy phacelia)

Phacelia distans (distant phacelia)

Phacelia campanularia (desert bluebells)

Phacelia cicutaria (caterpillar phacelia)