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Phacelia minor

wild canterbury bells

Boraginaceae

Southern California and Baja California

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

Overview

Phacelia minor is a spring annual wildflower in the borage family, growing 6-24 in (15-60 cm) tall on hairy, often reddish stems. The oval to heart-shaped leaves are 1-3 in (2.5-8 cm) long, toothed, wrinkled, and covered in glandular hairs. From March to May the plant bears bell-shaped flowers 1-1.5 in (2.5-4 cm) long in deep violet to purple, held in coiled clusters that uncurl as the buds open from the base. The wide-mouthed bells are larger than those of most phacelias and draw bees and other pollinators. After bloom the flowers form small capsules that release seed, which can stay dormant in the soil for years until fire or rain triggers germination. The plant grows in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and on dry slopes in southern California and Baja California, often appearing in numbers after wildfire. As an annual it germinates with winter rain, flowers in spring, and dies by early summer. The glandular hairs can irritate or blister sensitive skin on contact. It tolerates poor, dry soils but fades in shade and wet ground.

Native Range

Phacelia minor is native to southern California and Baja California, growing in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and on dry, open slopes below about 4,000 ft (1,200 m). It is often abundant in the season after wildfire.

Suggested Uses

Phacelia minor is used in wildflower meadows, native seed mixes, and low-water gardens for its violet spring bells. Its flowers are a strong draw for native bees and other pollinators. It suits sunny, dry banks and restoration plantings in mild-winter regions.

How to Identify

Phacelia minor is recognized by its large violet to purple bell-shaped flowers held in coiled clusters, and its hairy, toothed, wrinkled oval leaves. The wide bells, 1-1.5 in (2.5-4 cm) long, are larger than those of most phacelias. The coiled flower clusters and glandular-hairy stems confirm the genus.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 2'

Width/Spread6" - 1'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Spring

Flowering runs from March to May, peaking in early spring after a wet winter. The violet bells open in sequence as the coiled clusters uncurl. Bloom is heaviest in the year following a fire, then declines as the seed bank rests.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

violet to purple

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 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

sand rocky loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Phacelia minor grows in full sun on well-drained sandy or rocky soils and needs only winter and spring rainfall. As a winter annual it is sown from seed in autumn to germinate with cool-season moisture. It tolerates poor, dry ground and fades in shade or rich, wet soil. No winter care applies in its mild native range. Seed can stay dormant for years, so stands vary widely from season to season. The glandular hairs may irritate skin, and contact with the foliage can cause a rash in sensitive people.

Pruning

Pruning is not used for this annual. Spent plants dry and die after seed set in late spring and can be cleared once seed has dropped. Leaving plants to self-seed adds to the soil seed bank for future seasons.