Phacelia Bicolor

Description

Phacelia Bicolor, also known as Blue Phacelia or California Bluebell, is a beautiful plant native to California and southwestern Oregon. It belongs to the family Boraginaceae and is an annual herb that can grow up to 1-2 feet tall. The plant blooms in late spring to early summer, producing clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue and lavender. These flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to any garden or landscape.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Phacelia Bicolor has a unique appearance, with deeply lobed leaves that are hairy and rough to the touch. The plant has a bushy growth habit and can spread up to 1-2 feet wide. The flowers are small, bell-shaped, and arranged in clusters on long stems. They can be blue, lavender, or even white, and have a sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators. The plant also produces small, black seeds that can be collected for future planting.

Care Guide

Phacelia Bicolor is relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for growing and caring for this beautiful plant:

• Water: Phacelia Bicolor prefers well-drained soil and requires regular watering during the growing season. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions.
• Fertilization: The plant doesn’t require much fertilization, but you can add a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and blooming.
• Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, sandy soil that is rich in organic matter. You can amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve its quality.
• Sunlight: Phacelia Bicolor prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate hot, dry conditions. However, it may not bloom as well in shady areas.
• Hardiness Zones: Phacelia Bicolor is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Phacelia Bicolor is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by a few common issues:

• Aphids: These small, green insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves. You can control aphids by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or using insecticidal soap.
• Fungal diseases: Phacelia Bicolor can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. To prevent these diseases, avoid overhead watering and keep the plant’s leaves dry.

Habitat

Phacelia Bicolor is native to California and southwestern Oregon and is commonly found in dry, open areas such as grasslands and chaparral. The plant is adapted to hot, dry conditions and can tolerate drought and poor soil. It is often used in restoration projects to improve soil quality and attract pollinators.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Phacelia Bicolor be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Phacelia Bicolor can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system and provide good drainage.

Q: How often should I fertilize Phacelia Bicolor?

A: You can fertilize Phacelia Bicolor once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Q: Can Phacelia Bicolor tolerate frost?

A: No, Phacelia Bicolor is not frost-tolerant and should be grown in areas with mild winters.

Q: How can I collect and store Phacelia Bicolor seeds?

A: Wait until the plant has finished blooming and the flowers have dried up. Then, collect the small, black seeds and store them in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant them.

Related Plants

• Phacelia Distans
• Phacelia Grandiflora
• Phacelia Tanacetifolia
• Phacelia Campanularia

References

• “Phacelia Bicolor.” Las Pilitas Nursery. https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/529–phacelia-bicolor
• “Phacelia Bicolor.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PHBI
• “Phacelia Bicolor.” UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County. https://ccmg.ucanr.edu/Plant_of_the_Month/Phacelia_Bicolor/