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Annual Biennial

Gilia capitata
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

blue thimble flower

An erect annual with 2-pinnate leaves divided into slender segments, and spherical, pincushion-like heads 2-4cm across in summer, composed of tiny lavender-blue flowers

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 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
Summer Blue Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Polemoniaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Gilia can be annuals or perennials, with simple or finely, pinnately divided leaves and salver-shaped or tubular, blue, pink or red flowers that may be solitary, in panicles or dense clusters

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in-situ in mid-spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Rock garden
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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