Phacelia distans
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Phacelia distans

Distant Scorpion-Weed · Distant phacelia · Common phacelia · Wild heliotrope

Tier 2 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: full_sun Toxicity: low
Water every
7 days
Temperature
15–35 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 8–10
Click count
58
Observations
144

Description

Source: leafsnap

Phacelia distans, commonly known as distant phacelia, is a flowering plant species in the borage family. Native to western North America, it thrives in various habitats, including grasslands, sagebrush steppes, and open forests. The plant typically reaches a height of 10 to 50 cm, characterized by hairy stems and leaves. Its small, bell-shaped flowers have five petals that range in color from white to lavender-blue. Phacelia distans is significant for pollinators, producing nectar that attracts bees, butterflies, and other insects. Additionally, it has potential use in ecological restoration projects due to its capacity to improve soil quality through nitrogen fixation.

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 7 days
Suggested frequency: Every 7 days
☀️ Light Full sun

Distant phacelia comes from bright, open habitats and performs best in full sun. It can tolerate partial shade but prefers direct sunlight for the best growth. This plant, which may be annual or biennial, is recognized for its sun-loving habit.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 15–35°C

Distant phacelia can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but its distribution may still be restricted by various combinations of moisture and heat. It does best in warm summer climates with sufficient rainfall or watering. Extended periods of cloudy, rainy weather or sustained high temperatures can raise the chance of Distant phacelia dying. In winter, appropriate protection from the cold can increase the plant's survival.

Ideal temperature: 15–35°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

When Distant phacelia has opened most of its blooms to full size, resume fertilizing. Around the time the blooms are at peak output, apply fertilizer every three to four weeks, as weather permits. Then, once Distant phacelia begins producing fewer new blooms, stop fertilizing; there's no need to feed the plant when it can no longer produce more blooms.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

The distant phacelia is a plant with delicate purple flowers that grows rapidly. Prune it from early to late spring to remove old stems and spent flowers, encouraging new growth. Light, regular pruning helps maintain a fuller shape and vibrant blooms, while also reducing pest problems.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Annual
Genus
Phacelia
Family
Boraginaceae
Hardiness Zone
8-10
Mature Height
15 cm to 61 cm
Mature Spread
20 cm to 40 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Lavender
Flower Size
0.51 cm to 1.02 cm
Bloom Time
Early spring, Mid spring
Planting Time
Spring
Harvest Time
Late spring, Early summer
Native Area
Mexico

Tags (7)

Common Names (4)

en Distant Scorpion-Weed
en Distant phacelia
en Common phacelia
en Wild heliotrope