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Description
Phacelia Ranunculacea, commonly known as California Bluebell, is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that belongs to the Hydrophyllaceae family. This annual herb is native to California and can grow up to 3 feet tall. With its stunning blue-violet flowers and fern-like foliage, it is a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Hydrophyllaceae |
| Genus | Phacelia |
Appearance
The California Bluebell has fern-like leaves that are grayish-green in color and covered in fine hairs. Its flowers are arranged in clusters at the end of thin stems, and each flower has five petals that are a stunning blue-violet color. The plant itself can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for borders or as a focal point in a garden.
Care Guide
To care for your California Bluebell, you should provide it with well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 6-10. Water your California Bluebell regularly, but be careful not to overwater it as this can cause root rot. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
Common Pests & Diseases
The California Bluebell is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to root rot, stem rot, and powdery mildew. To prevent these issues, make sure to provide your plant with well-draining soil and avoid overwatering it. Additionally, keep an eye out for aphids and spider mites, which can also affect this plant.
Habitat
The California Bluebell is native to California and can be found growing in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and oak woodland habitats. It prefers well-draining soils and can grow in areas with full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my California Bluebell?
A: Water your California Bluebell regularly, but be careful not to overwater it as this can cause root rot.Q: What is the hardiness zone for the California Bluebell?
A: The California Bluebell is hardy in USDA zones 6-10.Q: Can the California Bluebell grow in partial shade?
A: Yes, the California Bluebell prefers full sun to partial shade.Q: What is the ideal soil type for the California Bluebell?
A: The California Bluebell prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Related Plants
- Phacelia campanularia
- Phacelia crenulata
- Phacelia distans
- Phacelia parryi
References
- “Phacelia Ranunculacea.” University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. https://ucanr.edu/sites/UrbanHort/California_Plant_Directory/Phacelia_ranunculacea/
- “Phacelia Ranunculacea.” Plant Finder. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281154
- “Phacelia Ranunculacea.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PHRA11
