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Bee's Friend
Phacelia tanacetifolia
A annual wildflower native to the American southwest, valued for its bright purple blooms which open slowly in sequence allowing the plant a long blooming season. The blooms attract bees as well as other beneficial insects and the plant is popularly grown in gardens to encourage fruit set on vegetables and crops as well as aid in a natural control of garden pests.
Seed Availability
Seeds are now available at our seed store.
Description
A fairly short annual growing to 2-3 feet. Long stalks contain coiled inflorescences which open over a period of days and weeks, revealing a seemingly almost constant purple bloom. Leaves contain small hairs and curved lobes which give the appearance of lace.
Hardiness
Annual.
Growing Environment
Grows easily as an annual in most climates. Grow in full or filtered sun. Use well drained soil and water occasionally during growth cycles. Once established it requires minimal attention.
Propagation
By seeds. The seeds are noteworthy in that they need total darkness to germinate.
Uses
Very popular as an ornamental bee and beneficial insect attractant for the garden. It is also used as cover crop or on a larger scale to attract bees for pollination of agriculture crops.
Native Range
Native to the southwestern United States and parts of Northern Mexico.
Related Species
| Boraginaceae | |||
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Borago officinalis Borage |
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Phacelia tanacetifolia Bee's Friend |
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Symphytum officinale Comfrey |
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