Nemophila menziesii (Menzies' baby blue eyes)

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Nemophila spp.

baby blue eyes and allies

Boraginaceae Western North America

Attracts Pollinators Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

Overview

Nemophila spp. is a genus of about 11 species of low-growing annuals in the borage family Boraginaceae, native to western North America, with the greatest diversity in California. Plants form spreading or trailing mounds 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30 cm) high, with brittle, succulent stems and soft, lobed or divided green leaves. The bowl- to saucer-shaped flowers are about 0.5 to 1.5 inches (1 to 4 cm) across and held singly on slender stalks. Flower color centers on sky blue and white: N. menziesii, baby blue eyes, has clear blue petals with a pale center, while N. maculata, five spot, is white with a purple blotch at each petal tip, and other species add veining or speckling. Plants grow quickly in the cool, moist part of the year, flowering through spring and into early summer before fading as heat and dryness arrive. They self-seed freely where conditions suit and reappear the next season. The genus grows in sun or light shade and moist, well-drained soil, and is sown directly where it is to flower because the brittle seedlings resent transplanting.

Native Range

Nemophila spp. is native to western North America, ranging through California and neighboring states into Oregon, Mexico, and the southwestern United States. Plants grow on grassy slopes, woodland edges, and moist open ground that dries out in summer.

Suggested Uses

Nemophila spp. is used in spring bedding, edging, containers, and window boxes, and scattered through wildflower and meadow plantings for its blue and white flowers. Its trailing habit suits hanging baskets and the front of cool-season borders.

How to Identify

Identify Nemophila spp. by low, spreading stems and soft, lobed or pinnately divided leaves, topped with bowl-shaped flowers about 0.5 to 1.5 inches (1 to 4 cm) wide. Most are sky blue or white, often marked with a dark center, spots, or veins. The brittle, somewhat succulent stems and saucer-shaped spring flowers are characteristic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4" - 1'

Width/Spread6" - 1'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Spring Summer

Nemophila spp. flowers in spring and early summer, roughly March to June, with the heaviest bloom in cool, moist weather. Plants fade quickly once summer heat sets in. In mild-winter areas autumn sowings can flower from late winter onward.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Sky blue or white, often dark-marked

Foliage Description

Soft green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Nemophila spp. grows in full sun to light shade and moist, well-drained soil, growing strongly in the cool conditions of spring and autumn. Seed is sown directly where plants are to flower, in early spring or in autumn for mild climates, since the brittle seedlings transplant poorly. Steady moisture keeps plants flowering, while heat and drought bring an early end to the season. Plants need little feeding, and rich soil produces lank growth at the expense of flowers. Self-sown seedlings often return the following year. Slugs and aphids are the main pests of the soft growth.

Pruning

Nemophila spp. needs no pruning as a soft annual. Shearing lightly after the first flush can prompt a little rebloom while moisture lasts. Plants are pulled and composted once they collapse in summer heat.