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Description
Phacelia Hirsuta, also known as hairy phacelia, is an annual wildflower that belongs to the borage family. It is native to western North America and can be found in various habitats such as open forests, meadows, and grasslands. The plant grows up to 3 feet tall and has hairy stems and leaves. The flowers of Phacelia Hirsuta are bell-shaped and range in color from lavender-blue to purple. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer and attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Phacelia |
Appearance
Phacelia Hirsuta has a distinct appearance with its hairy stems and leaves. The leaves are mostly basal and can grow up to 8 inches long. They are deeply lobed and have a fern-like appearance. The stems are also hairy and can grow up to 3 feet tall. The flowers are arranged in a coiled inflorescence and are bell-shaped. They range in color from lavender-blue to purple and have a diameter of about 1 inch. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer and produces numerous flowers, which attract pollinators.
Care Guide
Phacelia Hirsuta is easy to care for and can be grown in a variety of conditions. Here is a detailed care guide for this plant:- Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season. Make sure the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Phacelia Hirsuta does not require much fertilization. You can add some compost or a balanced fertilizer in the spring before planting.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.- Sunlight: Phacelia Hirsuta prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Phacelia Hirsuta is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is waterlogged. To prevent this, make sure the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering. In some cases, aphids and spider mites can infest the plant. You can control these pests by spraying the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Phacelia Hirsuta is native to western North America and can be found in various habitats such as open forests, meadows, and grasslands. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It is a popular wildflower among gardeners and is often grown in meadow gardens and wildflower mixes.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Phacelia Hirsuta be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Phacelia Hirsuta can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should I water Phacelia Hirsuta?
A: Water the plant regularly during the growing season. Make sure the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Q: How tall can Phacelia Hirsuta grow?
A: Phacelia Hirsuta can grow up to 3 feet tall.
Q: What is the blooming season of Phacelia Hirsuta?
A: The plant blooms from late spring to early summer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Phacelia Hirsuta:- Phacelia Campanularia- Phacelia Crenulata- Phacelia Distans- Phacelia Grandiflora- Phacelia Tanacetifolia
References
– “Phacelia Hirsuta.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=245397.- “Phacelia Hirsuta.” Plant of the Week, United States Department of Agriculture, https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_phhi.pdf.- “Phacelia Hirsuta.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin, https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=phhi.
