Overview
Phacelia purshii is a spring-flowering annual in the borage family, native to the eastern and central United States. It grows 6-18 inches (15-45 cm) tall on slender, branching, hairy stems, with pinnately lobed leaves 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long divided into several toothed segments. From mid spring it produces coiled clusters of pale blue to lavender flowers, each about 0.4-0.5 inch (10-12 mm) across, with a white center and petal edges cut into a fringe that gives the common name Miami mist. The flowers uncoil and open progressively along the curled flower stalk. It grows in moist woods, floodplains, stream terraces, and old fields, often forming sheets of bloom in spring. As a winter or spring annual it germinates in autumn or early spring, flowers, sets seed, and dies by early summer. It needs moist, fertile soil and part sun, and it fades quickly in dry or hot conditions. The fringed flowers draw early bees and other pollinators. It self-sows where the soil stays open and moist but does not persist as a perennial. It is grown from seed sown where the plants are to bloom.
Native Range
Phacelia purshii is native to the eastern and central United States, from Pennsylvania and Ohio south to Alabama and west to Kansas and Oklahoma. It grows in moist woods, floodplains, stream terraces, and old fields.Suggested Uses
Phacelia purshii is used in native wildflower plantings, woodland gardens, and spring meadow mixes for early bloom. It is sown about 6 inches (15 cm) apart in moist, partly shaded ground. It supports early-season bees and other pollinators.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'6"
Width/Spread6" - 1'
Bloom Information
Pale blue, fringed flowers open in mid to late spring, roughly April to June. The flowers uncoil and open in sequence along the curled flower stalk over about five weeks. Bloom ends as the plant sets seed and dies in early summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pale blue to lavender with white centerFoliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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
Phacelia purshii grows in part sun in moist, fertile, well-drained loam or silt with a pH from about 6.0 to 7.5. As a cool-season annual it grows and flowers in spring and fades quickly in heat or drought. Seed is sown in autumn or early spring where the plants are to bloom, as it transplants poorly. No fertilizer is needed in fertile woodland soil. Plants die after setting seed but self-sow where the ground stays open and moist. It supplies spring color and then gives way to summer plantings.Pruning
Phacelia purshii needs no pruning as a spring annual. Plants can be left to set and drop seed for the following year, or cleared once they yellow in early summer. No deadheading is needed during its short bloom.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
Autumn or early spring where plants are to grow
Days to Maturity
70–100 days
Plant Spacing
6 inches