Lacy phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia)
Also known as: Tansy phacelia, Fernleaf fiddleneck, Purple tansy, Facelia
Lacy phacelia is often planted in vineyards and agricultural fields because its flowers bloom sequentially, providing an extended period of nectar and pollen for bumblebees, honeybees, and other pollinators. Native to the southwestern United States, it serves multiple purposes including acting as a cover crop, green manure, and an ornamental plant.
In This Article
Attributes of Lacy phacelia
Lifespan
Annual, Biennial, Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
20 cm to 1.2 m
Spread
30 cm to 60 cm
Leaf Color
Green Silver
Flower Size
6 mm to 9 mm
Flower Color
Blue Purple Lavender
Images of Lacy phacelia
Quickly Identify Lacy phacelia
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Vibrant fern-like leaves up to 8 inches (20 cm) long, deeply divided into smaller leaflets.
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Dusty purple-blue bell-shaped flowers in dense clusters, with darker purple stamens and styles.
3
Distinctive feathery foliage resembling tansy, highly attractive to pollinators.
4
Succulent stem with short, stiff, glandular hairs, varying in thickness (0.2-0.4 inches or 5-10 mm).
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Ovoid fruit with two brown, wrinkled seeds, which easily detach and signal the end of the fruit's lifecycle.
Scientific Classification of Lacy phacelia
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Boraginales
Family
Waterleaf
Genus
Heliotrope
Species
Lacy phacelia
Planting and Growing of Lacy phacelia
Care Difficulty
Easy
Watering Schedule
Every 3 days
Sunlight Requirements
Full sun
Sunshine Duration
10-12 hours
Ideal Temperature
60-75℉
Soil Type
Potting Mix, Peat Mix
Soil pH
6-7.5
Fertilizer Type
Balanced
Pruning Season
Spring, Summer
Pruning Area
Branches, Leaves
Pruning Frequency
2 times a year
Repotting Season
Spring
Pot Type
Plastic, Ceramic
How to Water Lacy phacelia?
Water Phacelia tanacetifolia with approximately 500 ml each time. The idea is to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. This plant prefers well-drained soil, so ensure excess water can drain away freely to prevent root rot.
What are the symptoms of an underwatered Lacy phacelia?
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What should I do if my Lacy phacelia is not getting enough water?
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What are the symptoms of an overwatered Lacy phacelia?
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How to save an overwatered Lacy phacelia?
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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Lacy phacelia?
Phacelia tanacetifolia ideally thrives in full sun, which enhances blooming and overall vigor. This condition ensures the plant's metabolic processes are fully supported for lush, colorful growth.
What is the ideal light exposure for Phacelia tanacetifolia?
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How can I ensure it gets the ideal lighting conditions?
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What are the benefits of ideal lighting for this plant?
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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Lacy phacelia?
Phacelia tanacetifolia thrives best in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. This range provides the ideal conditions for the plant's metabolic processes, ensuring optimal growth and flowering. Maintaining this temperature range helps the plant to maximize photosynthesis and nutrient uptake, contributing to its robust development.
What Soil is Best for Lacy phacelia?
Phacelia tanacetifolia thrives in well-drained soil that prevents waterlogging, promoting healthy root growth and reducing root rot risks. This ensures robust plant development and optimal nutrient uptake. While not overly demanding, Phacelia tanacetifolia benefits from moderately fertile soil, providing essential nutrients necessary for vibrant foliage and abundant flowering. Enriched soil aids in vigorous growth. Prefers soil pH in the neutral range of 6.0 to 7.5, allowing efficient nutrient absorption and enhancing microbial activity, crucial for plant health. This balance prevents nutrient deficiencies or toxicities.
How to Fertilize Lacy phacelia?
Phacelia tanacetifolia, commonly known as lacy phacelia, benefits from a balanced fertilization approach. When using liquid fertilizers, apply approximately 1 tablespoon per gallon of water. For granular fertilizers, a slow-release mix of around 2 pounds per 100 square feet suffices to provide necessary nutrients throughout the growing season.
How to Prune Lacy phacelia?
Begin by thoroughly inspecting the plant for any dead or diseased stems and flowers. Proper inspection allows you to identify areas that require attention and ensures that you do not mistakenly cut healthy parts that are crucial for the plant’s growth. Make sure your pruning shears are sharp and clean before you start. Clean tools prevent the spread of diseases and provide a clean cut, which heals faster and reduces the stress on the plant. Gently trim away dead flowers and stems just above a healthy leaf node or bud. Cutting at this location will encourage new growth, ensuring the plant stays full and productive. Take care not to tear the stems, as clean cuts heal more effectively. Gather all removed plant material and dispose of them properly. Leaving dead plant matter around can lead to pest infestations or fungal growth, which can harm your Phacelia and other nearby plants.
How to Propagate Lacy phacelia plant?
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Select high-quality Phacelia tanacetifolia seeds. Check the seeds for damage or disease, and choose ones that are plump and free from blemishes. Proper seed selection increases the chances of successful germination.
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Sow the seeds shallowly in the seed tray filled with potting mix. Maintain even spacing to prevent overcrowding. Gently press the seeds into the soil and cover lightly with more potting mix to ensure good contact with the environment.
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Water the seeds gently after sowing to moisten the soil. Use a fine spray to avoid displacing the seeds. Ensure that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged throughout the germination period.
How to Repot Lacy phacelia plant?
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Phacelia tanacetifolia should be repotted when you notice the plant's growth slowing down or roots starting to grow out of the drainage holes. It's a clear signal that the current pot has become too cramped for comfort. Additionally, if the soil is no longer retaining moisture, it's a good time to refresh the potting mix. Ideally, you should aim to repot during spring or autumn to avoid stressing the plant during its peak growth periods.
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When selecting a new pot for Phacelia tanacetifolia, opt for one that is just one size larger than the current pot. This helps to encourage moderate root growth without overwhelming the plant with excess soil, which can lead to waterlogging. Ensure that there are plenty of drainage holes to prevent root rot, as this plant thrives in well-drained conditions. A terracotta pot can be ideal as it allows for better airflow and moisture control.
3
Use a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter for repotting Phacelia tanacetifolia. This helps maintain the right balance of moisture while ensuring that nutrients are readily available to the roots. A mix containing sand, perlite, and peat moss is ideal, as it provides good drainage and retains enough moisture to keep the roots hydrated. This combination allows for healthy root growth and a robust plant.
