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Annual Biennial

Phacelia tanacetifolia
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

fiddleneck

A robust winter annual of variable height, 20-120cm, with fern-like pinnately cut leaves, sometimes rather grey-green, and abundant, densely set soft blue or lavender-blue flowers in terminal, curved cymes during summer. Very attractive to bees and other insects

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Blue Green Grey Silver
Autumn Blue
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Boraginaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Phacelia can be annuals, biennials or perennials with pinnately divided leaves and racemes or panicles of tubular or bell-shaped blue, white or yellow flowers, attractive to insects

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed in situ in spring or early autumn; self seeds freely in a sunny position

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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