Shade Phacelia
Phacelia nemoralis var. nemoralis
Care
full sun, part shade
4–7ft tall
Prized
Moist shaded forests and woodlands of the Sierra Nevada and northern mountains from Tuolumne County to Modoc County, 2000-6000 ft elevation, extending to Oregon.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Shade Phacelia in full sun to part shade in a location with moist soil, mimicking its native coastal forest habitat. This perennial can reach 4 to 7 feet tall, so give it adequate space to spread, or grow it in a container where you can control its size. Plant in spring or fall to take advantage of cooler, wetter seasons that will help it establish.
After Planting
Water regularly during your first growing season to keep soil consistently moist, especially through your first summer. Shade Phacelia is a perennial, so once established, it should require less frequent watering than during its first year. The main mistake Bay Area gardeners make is planting in dry or poorly drained spots - this plant evolved in moist coastal forests, not dry chaparral, so avoid hot, drought-prone locations even though we're in California.
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Multiple generations use phacelia as larval food plant throughout growing season