Brewer's Phacelia
Phacelia breweri
0–2ft tall
Friendly
Prized
Desert and arid scrub of the western Mojave Desert and southern Sierra Nevada, 2000-5000 ft elevation
Planting
Plant Brewer's Phacelia in fall or winter, which aligns with its native California chaparral and woodland habitat. This is an annual herb, so it will complete its life cycle in a single growing season. Space plants about 12 inches apart to accommodate their branching habit, as they can spread to about 1.5 feet tall.
After Planting
Water regularly during the growing season to establish the plant, then taper off as it matures - annuals like this typically need less intervention once established. Expect blooms of small, delicate light blue bell-shaped flowers in spring. Since this is an annual, plan for it to die back naturally at the end of the season; no special pruning or overwintering is needed. Deer won't browse this plant, so it's a safe choice if wildlife pressure is a concern in your Bay Area garden.