Phacelia nemoralis
🍃leaf (2)
🌸flower (4)
🍎fruit (2)
🌿habit (2)

Phacelia nemoralis

Shade phacelia

Tier 2 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: partial_sun
Temperature
15–35 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 7–10
Click count
103
Observations
15

Description

Source: leafsnap

Phacelia nemoralis is a species of flowering plant in the borage family known by the common name shade phacelia. It is native to the west coast of the United States from Washington to central California, where it grows in moist, usually forested areas along the coastline and in the coastal mountain ranges. It is a perennial herb producing a densely hairy, erect stem which may reach two meters in height. The leaves are variable in shape, the largest lower ones 15 to 25 centimeters long and divided into several leaflets. Upper leaves are smaller and undivided. The inflorescence is a one-sided coiling cyme of bell-shaped flowers. Each flower is up to 6 millimeters long and greenish or yellowish white in color with whiskery protruding stamens. There are two subspecies: Phacelia nemoralis ssp. oregonensis (Oregon phacelia) – distribution extends into Washington State Phacelia nemoralis ssp. nemoralis – occurs south of Washington

Care Guide

💧 Water
☀️ Light Partial sun

Oregon phacelia is native to habitats with filtered light, such as forest understories or rocky sites that provide natural shade. It grows best in partial sun but can also tolerate full sun conditions.

Ideal: Partial sun
🌡️ Temperature 15–35°C

Oregon phacelia can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but its distribution may still be restricted by different combinations of moisture and heat. It performs best in warm summer climates with sufficient rainfall or irrigation. Extended stretches of cloudy, rainy weather, as well as prolonged high temperatures, can raise the likelihood of Oregon phacelia dying. In winter, adequate protection from cold can increase the plant's chances of survival.

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

When most of the Oregon phacelia blooms have opened to full size, resume fertilizing. Around peak bloom, feed it once every three to four weeks, as the weather allows. Then, when the plant begins to produce fewer new blooms, stop fertilizing—there’s no need to feed it if it can’t form any more flowers.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

The Oregon phacelia is characterized by its delicate, bell-shaped flowers and lush foliage. To maintain its health and appearance, prune the plant from early to late spring. This involves removing any dead or damaged branches and thinning out congested areas to enhance air circulation. Regular pruning not only improves the plant's aesthetic appeal but also promotes its overall health, ensuring it blooms optimally in line with its growth cycle.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Annual
Genus
Phacelia
Family
Boraginaceae
Hardiness Zone
7-10
Mature Height
30 cm to 91 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 0.76 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Summer

Tags (7)

Common Names (1)

en Shade phacelia