California Bluebell Phacelia campanularia 'Blue Wonder'
ABOUT
Phacelia campanularia 'Blue Wonder', commonly known as California Bluebell, is a captivating flowering plant known for its richly-hued, bell-shaped flowers. The blossoms are a deep, vivid blue, often with a lighter center and delicate veins running through the petals, giving them a striking appearance. The flower buds typically form in clusters, creating a mass of color that is particularly eye-catching. Surrounding the blooms are the leaves, which are generally green, with a slightly hairy or fuzzy texture that can make them soft to the touch. The foliage may have a fern-like appearance, adding a fine-textured contrast to the bold flowers. This variety is favored for its ornamental qualities and its ability to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which are drawn to its blossoms. Overall, the California Bluebell 'Blue Wonder' exhibits a vibrant palette that brings life to any garden setting, offering a visual feast of intense blue tones that are rare in the plant world.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Boraginaceae.
Synonyms
California Bluebell, Desert Bluebell, Desertbells, Desert Scorpionweed, California Bells.
Common names
Phacelia campanularia.
ToxicityTo humans
California bluebell is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant reports of poisoning from ingestion of this plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or reactions may occur, so it is advisable to be cautious and avoid ingesting plant material that is not commonly recognized as food.
To pets
California bluebell is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning in pets from ingestion of this plant. However, as with any non-food plant, it is always a good practice to prevent pets from ingesting ornamental plants as they can sometimes cause gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
California
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Phacelia campanularia 'Blue Wonder', commonly known as California bluebell, is highly attractive to bees and other beneficial insects, helping to facilitate pollination in the garden.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, California bluebells are quite drought-resistant, making them ideal for water-wise gardens or regions with dry climates.
- Easy to grow: This plant is known for being fuss-free and easy to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance, which is perfect for novice gardeners.
- Fast-growing: California bluebell has a relatively quick growth cycle, meaning it can fill garden spaces and provide color in a short period of time.
- Enhances garden aesthetics: With its vivid blue flowers, it adds a striking color contrast and aesthetic appeal to any garden setting.
- Beneficial for wildlife: The plant provides nectar and habitat for various species of insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Soil improvement: The root system can help to break up compacted soil, improving soil structure and health over time.
- Non-invasive: Unlike some ornamentals, California bluebell is not known to be invasive, so it's less likely to overcrowd other plants or disrupt local ecosystems.
- Erosion control: Its roots can help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially when used on slopes or areas prone to soil degradation.
- Seasonal interest: California bluebell has a distinctive blooming period in spring, providing seasonal interest in a planting scheme.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- California Bluebell is often used in landscaping as a decorative feature for its striking blue color and can significantly enhance rock gardens or dry, arid garden scapes.
- In photography, the vibrant blooms of California Bluebell make a popular subject for macro and nature photography, contributing to biodiversity awareness.
- The plant serves as an inspiration for artists and can often be found depicted in botanical illustrations, watercolor paintings, and nature-based designs.
- California Bluebell provides a vivid blue pigment source for natural dyes, which can be used in textile arts and crafts.
- With its flourishing growth and flowering habit, California Bluebell is used as a living cover crop to suppress weeds and protect soil in agriculture.
- Its dense root system helps with erosion control by stabilizing loose soils on slopes and embankments, making it beneficial in restoration projects.
- California Bluebell can be planted in butterfly gardens, as it attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for the pollination of many other plant species.
- By including California Bluebell in educational gardens, it serves as a teaching tool for botany and ecology, demonstrating native plant adaptations and the importance of wildflowers.
- The seeds of California Bluebell are sometimes used in wildflower seed mixes to create a diverse and colorful meadow aesthetic in large-scale landscaping.
- Specialized horticulturists and hobbyists may collect California Bluebell seeds for seed banks or exchanges, promoting genetic diversity and conservation of native species.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe California Bluebell is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe California Bluebell is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Attractiveness: Commonly known as California Bluebell, Phacelia campanularia 'Blue Wonder' has vibrant blue flowers, symbolizing allure and beauty, drawing the attention of onlookers as well the bees and insects it attracts.
- Serenity: The soothing blue color of the California Bluebell is often associated with calmness and tranquility, mimicking the peacefulness of clear blue skies and calm waters.
- Resilience: California Bluebells are adaptable and can thrive in environments with lower water availability, symbolizing the ability to endure and remain strong through adversity.
- Growth: As a wildflower that can enhance soil fertility by attracting pollinators, the California Bluebell represents personal growth and the cultivation of new ideas and opportunities.
- Gratitude: Gifted as a token of appreciation, the California Bluebell can symbolize gratitude, not only for the beauty it brings but also for the ecological benefits it provides.
WaterCalifornia Bluebell should be watered regularly, ensuring the soil is kept evenly moist, especially during its growing season in spring and summer. Aim to water deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons per square yard, depending on soil type and weather conditions. Reduce watering frequency in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot, so if the top inch of soil is dry, it's time to water again.
LightCalifornia Bluebell thrives in full sun to partial shade. The best spot for this plant is an area where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, though it can tolerate some light afternoon shade in hotter climates. Avoid deep shade as it will hinder the plant’s growth and flowering potential.
TemperatureCalifornia Bluebell prefers moderate temperatures and is hardy in a range of conditions. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but thrives best when daytime temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the plant, so it's best to provide some shade in hotter regions.
PruningPruning California Bluebell is generally done to remove spent flowers and encourage further blooming. Deadheading, or cutting off the faded flowers, can be performed throughout the blooming period. At the end of the growing season, cut back the foliage to maintain a tidy appearance and prepare the plant for winter. Pruning is not intensive and is typically only needed once a year.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCalifornia Bluebell thrives best in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. A mix of loamy soil with some sand and organic matter like compost is ideal, ensuring both aeration and nutrient-rich medium. Regular garden soil amended with perlite or pumice would also promote good drainage and support its growth.
RepottingCalifornia Bluebells are typically grown as annuals, so repotting is not usually necessary. If grown in containers and kept for more than one season, repot every spring into fresh soil to rejuvenate nutrients and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingCalifornia Bluebell does well in average humidity conditions. It does not require any special humidity-related care, making it ideal for growing in most climates without the need for additional humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, infrequent watering.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun.
Hardiness zone
3-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Phacelia campanularia 'Blue Wonder', commonly known as California Bluebell, begins with seed germination, which is best in cool, moist soil conditions. Following germination, seedlings establish themselves with a rosette of basal leaves, before rapidly growing upright stems and foliage. Vegetative growth continues, and the plant then enters the flowering stage, typically in spring or early summer, producing its vivid blue, bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruiting capsules containing small seeds. These seeds are eventually dispersed, often by the wind or through contact with animals or human activities. The plant completes its life cycle by dying back after seed dispersal, being an annual species; new plants the following season are entirely derived from the previous season's seeds.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The California Bluebell, scientifically known as Phacelia campanularia 'Blue Wonder', is commonly propagated by seed. Seeds can be sown directly into the garden after the danger of the last frost has passed, typically in spring. The most popular method of propagation is by sowing seeds, which involves scattering the seeds on prepared soil and lightly covering them with a thin layer of soil. For an optimal germination rate, the seeds require consistent moisture and should not be allowed to dry out, making regular watering essential. Seeds usually germinate within 15 to 30 days at soil temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 to 21 degrees Celsius). Once the seedlings develop true leaves and are sturdy enough, they can be thinned to prevent overcrowding. This process ensures a good air flow around the plants and reduces the risk of disease.
