Contents
Description
Phacelia Minor, also known as Dwarf Scorpionweed or Wild Heliotrope, is a beautiful plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. This plant is native to North America and can grow up to a height of 16 inches. Phacelia Minor is an annual plant that blooms from May to August and produces small, bell-shaped lavender or blue flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Phacelia |
Appearance
Phacelia Minor has fine, soft, and hairy leaves that are lance-shaped and grow up to 2 inches long. The leaves are arranged in a spiral pattern on the stem. The flowers of this plant grow in clusters and are small, bell-shaped, and lavender or blue in color. The flowers have five petals and are approximately 1/4 inch in diameter. The plant has a bushy appearance and can grow up to 16 inches in height.
Care Guide
Phacelia Minor is a low-maintenance plant that requires moderate watering and fertilization. This plant prefers well-draining soil and requires full sunlight to grow. Phacelia Minor is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 11.
Water
Phacelia Minor requires moderate watering. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Phacelia Minor does not require heavy fertilization. A light application of balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season is sufficient.
Soil
Phacelia Minor prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight
Phacelia Minor requires full sunlight to thrive.
Hardiness Zones
Phacelia Minor is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Phacelia Minor is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites and aphids. To prevent these pests, it is recommended to keep the plant well-watered and to remove any infected leaves or stems.
Habitat
Phacelia Minor is native to North America and can be found growing in open fields, meadows, and prairies. This plant prefers well-draining soil and requires full sunlight to grow.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Phacelia Minor be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Phacelia Minor can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: Is Phacelia Minor a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, Phacelia Minor is an excellent plant for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Q: Can Phacelia Minor be propagated by seed?
A: Yes, Phacelia Minor can be propagated by seed. The seeds should be sown in the spring after the last frost.
Q: Is Phacelia Minor toxic to pets?
A: No, Phacelia Minor is not toxic to pets.
Related Plants
- Phacelia Campanularia
- Phacelia Crenulata
- Phacelia Distans
References
- USDA Plants Database. (2021). Phacelia Minor. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=PHMI9
- The Old Farmer’s Almanac. (2021). Phacelia Minor: Growing Guide. Retrieved from https://www.almanac.com/plant/phacelia-minor
- Wildflower.org. (2021). Phacelia Minor. Retrieved from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PHMI9
