Pollinator 'California Bluebell'

California Bluebells (Phacelia campanularia)

California Bluebells captivate with abundant, cobalt-blue, bell-shaped blooms that create a striking splash of colour in garden borders, wildflower meadows, or dry, sunlit spaces. Their vibrant flowers bring movement and charm to any planting, pairing beautifully with soft pastel wildflowers, golden California poppies, or creamy amaranths, while contrasting wonderfully with deeper purple or burgundy blooms. Native to the American Southwest, these fast-growing annuals lend a rustic, naturalistic feel, evoking the magic of desert landscapes in full bloom.

Also known as Desert Bluebells or Desert Canterbury Bells, California Bluebells attract bees and beneficial pollinators in abundance, enriching the garden with gentle activity. Drought-tolerant and easy to grow in full sun and well-drained soils, they flourish even in poor conditions, making them a perfect choice for low-water gardens, wildflower mixes, or romantic, rustic landscapes. A relative of borage, their airy, bell-shaped flowers bring texture, colour, and timeless charm to any floral composition.

DETAILS:

QTY: 100

TYPE: Annual

SITE: Full Sun-Part Shade

SEED DEPTH: 1/4"

GERMINATION: 12-30  Days at 22°C

HEIGHT: 18 -  24"

MATURITY: 55 - 65 Days

SPACING: 4 - 8"

PINCH: No

How To Grow:

Direct Seed (recommended): There is no need to start Phacelia indoors, as it performs best when direct sown. Sow every couple of weeks from the last frost until mid-June for a summer full of blooms. This succession sowing will ensure a continuous supply of flowers for you and for pollinators.

Transplanting (not recommended): Phacelia forms a taproot and does not like being moved. Transplanting is not recommended and will likely result in a much lower success rate.

Pinching: Pinching is not necessary for Phacelia, as the plant naturally grows with a good, bushy habit.

Soil Preference and Watering: Phacelia is adaptable and will thrive in a wide range of soil types, including poor or sandy soil, but prefers well-drained soil. Water consistently during germination and establishment. Once mature, it is quite drought tolerant and performs best in full sun.

Fertilizing: Fertilizing is not required for Phacelia. It performs best in lean soils. Too much fertility can lead to weak, leggy growth.

Other Tips: Phacelia is hardy to Zone 3 when grown as an annual. In warmer regions, it may self-seed, creating a naturalized look the following season.