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Description
Phacelia Hastata, commonly known as the Silverleaf phacelia, is a wildflower that is native to western North America. This plant is an annual herb that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is known for its beautiful silver-green leaves and delicate lavender-blue flowers that bloom in the spring and summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Phacelia |
Appearance
Phacelia Hastata has a distinct appearance with its silver-green leaves that are covered in fine hairs, giving them a velvety texture. The leaves are shaped like a lance and are about 2-4 inches long. The plant grows up to 2-3 feet tall and has a branching stem with clusters of lavender-blue flowers. The flowers are bell-shaped and are about 1/2 inch wide. They bloom from April to August, depending on the location.
Care Guide
Phacelia Hastata is a low-maintenance plant and is easy to grow. Here are some care tips to help you keep your plant healthy and beautiful:- Water: This plant prefers well-draining soil and does not tolerate standing water. Water the plant deeply once a week, especially during hot and dry weather.- Fertilization: Phacelia Hastata does not require fertilization, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil in the spring if desired.- Soil: This plant prefers sandy or loamy soil that is well-draining. It can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soil pH.- Sunlight: Phacelia Hastata prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can affect its growth and flowering.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Phacelia Hastata is generally not susceptible to many pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues that you may encounter:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Use a neem oil spray to control them.- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves. Remove the affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. Remove the affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Habitat
Phacelia Hastata is native to western North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, meadows, and along streams and roadsides. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate hot and dry conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Phacelia Hastata a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, Phacelia Hastata is a great plant for attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: Can Phacelia Hastata grow in containers?
A: Yes, Phacelia Hastata can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s growth.
Q: How often should I prune Phacelia Hastata?
A: Phacelia Hastata does not require pruning, but you can deadhead the spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Q: Can I use Phacelia Hastata as a cut flower?
A: Yes, the delicate lavender-blue flowers of Phacelia Hastata make a beautiful addition to flower arrangements.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Phacelia Hastata:- Phacelia Campanularia- Phacelia Crenulata- Phacelia Distans- Phacelia Fremontii- Phacelia Grandiflora
References
– “Phacelia Hastata – Silverleaf Phacelia.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – The University of Texas at Austin, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PHHA3.- “Phacelia Hastata.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b153.- “Phacelia Hastata.” Plant Database, www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/sceneda/85.html.
