How to Grow and Care for Heliotrope

Lacy phacelia flowers open in a sequence that allows for a long flowering time, which is why it attracts bumblebees, honeybees, and other pollinators. It is typically grown in vineyards and along agricultural fields. This plant is native to the southwestern United States and is grown as a cover crop, green manure, and decorative plant.

California Bluebell (Phacelia campanularia) is an annual wildflower that will grow to 30 cm tall. It is native to California and can grow in sandy soils and desert climates. Blooms early spring with cobalt-blue bell-shaped flowers. Grows in full sun or partial shade and re-seeds itself. Great for rock gardens, but contact with skin can cause irritation.

Silverleaf Scorpionweed is a perennial herb with tufts of leaves at the base of bell-shaped purple or white flowers. The tiny flowers are notable because their stamens protrude far above their petals. It is native to western North America.

The heliotrope phacelia is a flowering annual native to the southwestern United States. Commonly found in sandy soil and desert plains, the plant has an unpleasant odor and can cause a rash.

Fernleaf phacelia is a biennial plant often found in rocky woodlands in the United States. Clusters of purple flowers hover over fernlike leaves that remain green all winter. The second year, the plant flowers, produces seeds, and dies but will reseed easily.