Contents
Description
Phacelia Mutabilis is a lovely annual plant with showy flowers that bloom in various shades of blue, lavender, and purple. It is native to California and other parts of the Western United States, but it has become popular among gardeners all over the world due to its charming appearance and versatile usage. The plant has a bushy growth habit, with multiple stems that can reach up to 1-2 feet in height. It blooms from late spring to early summer, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers.
Taxonomic Information
Domain | Eukaryota |
Kingdom | Plantae |
Phylum | Tracheophyta |
Class | Magnoliopsida |
Order | Boraginales |
Family | Boraginaceae |
Genus | Phacelia |
Appearance
The leaves of Phacelia Mutabilis are arranged alternately along the stem and are divided into several lobes, giving them a fern-like appearance. The flowers are bell-shaped and grow in clusters at the end of the stems. They have five petals, which are fused at the base, forming a tube-like structure. The flowers can be blue, lavender, or purple, and they have a sweet fragrance. The plant can grow up to 1-2 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide, depending on the growing conditions.
Care Guide
Phacelia Mutabilis is easy to grow and requires minimal care. Here are some tips for growing and maintaining the plant:
Water: The plant prefers moderate watering, especially during the growing season. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilizer, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil at the beginning of the growing season to help it grow better.
Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may affect its growth and flowering.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-10, but it performs best in zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Phacelia Mutabilis is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by some common garden problems. Here are some issues to watch out for:
Pests: The plant may be attacked by aphids, spider mites, or thrips. You can control them by spraying the plant with water, using insecticidal soap, or releasing beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings.
Diseases: The plant may be affected by powdery mildew or gray mold. You can prevent these diseases by providing good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and removing infected plant parts.
Habitat
Phacelia Mutabilis is native to California and other parts of the Western United States. It grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, and open woods. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. The plant is an important source of nectar for pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Phacelia Mutabilis a perennial or an annual plant?
A: Phacelia Mutabilis is an annual plant, which means it completes its life cycle in one growing season.
Q: Can I grow Phacelia Mutabilis in containers?
A: Yes, you can grow Phacelia Mutabilis in containers as long as you provide it with well-drained soil, adequate watering, and sufficient sunlight.
Q: How often should I water Phacelia Mutabilis?
A: You should water Phacelia Mutabilis moderately, especially during the growing season. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Q: How do I deadhead Phacelia Mutabilis?
A: You can deadhead Phacelia Mutabilis by cutting off the spent flowers with a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears. This will encourage the plant to produce more flowers and extend the blooming season.
Related Plants
- Phacelia Campanularia
- Phacelia Crenulata
- Phacelia Distans
- Phacelia Fremontii
- Phacelia Tanacetifolia
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/phacelia_mutabilis.shtml
- https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=20187
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/phacelia-mutabilis
- https://www.highcountrygardens.com/perennial-plants/phacelia-mutabilis