Overview
Nemophila phacelioides, Texas baby blue eyes, is a sprawling spring annual of the south-central United States, growing 8-24 inches (20-60 cm) tall with weak, brittle, branching stems that often lean on neighboring plants. The leaves are pinnately divided into rounded lobes, 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) long, soft and light green. From mid-spring it bears bowl-shaped flowers about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across, lavender-blue to violet with a pale, often white center and contrasting dark stamens. The flowers open in loose clusters and are followed by small capsules that scatter seed. N. phacelioides grows in open woodlands, along stream banks, and on shaded slopes in moist, humus-rich soil, where it forms drifts in dappled light. It self-sows readily and naturalizes in suitable shade gardens. Being a cool-season annual, it fades quickly once hot, dry weather arrives, leaving a gap by early summer, and its lax stems give it a loose, informal habit rather than a tidy form.
Native Range
Native to the south-central United States, including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Missouri. It grows in moist woodlands, thickets, ravines, and stream banks, usually in partial shade on rich soils.Suggested Uses
Grown in woodland and shade gardens, native plant borders, and naturalized drifts under trees and shrubs. It combines with other spring ephemerals and cool-season annuals for early color. Container plantings allow its trailing stems to spill over the edge.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 2'
Width/Spread8" - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Flowering runs through spring, mainly March to May, with bowl-shaped lavender-blue flowers opening in loose clusters above the foliage. Bloom continues for several weeks while temperatures stay mild. Plants set seed and die back as summer heat builds.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
lavender-blue to violet with pale centerFoliage Description
light greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 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
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Sow seed in fall or early spring in part shade on moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. As a cool-season annual it grows actively in the mild weather of spring and declines in summer heat. The soil is kept evenly moist during growth, as the shallow roots dry out quickly in lean ground. Little fertilizer is needed in soil amended with leaf mold or compost. It self-sows where the ground is left undisturbed, returning from seed each year. Thinning crowded seedlings improves airflow and reduces mildew on the soft foliage.Pruning
No pruning is needed for this annual. Pinching young stems can encourage branching and a fuller shape. Plants are cleared once they yellow and set seed in early summer, leaving some seed heads if self-sowing is wanted.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons
✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
fall or early spring
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Plant Spacing
10 inches