Phacelia Species, Fiddleneck, Lacy Phacelia, Purple Tansy

Phaceliatanacetifolia

Genus
Phacelia (fa-SEE-lee-uh)
Species
tanacetifolia (tan-uh-kee-tee-FOH-lee-uh)
Synonym
Phacelia tenuifolia
Phacelia tripinnata
Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Grown for foliage
Herbaceous
Height
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Spacing
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
Danger
N/A
Bloom Color
Rose/Mauve
Blue-Violet
Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Other Details
Category
Annuals
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Grow outdoors year-round in hardiness zone
Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting
Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Seward, Alaska

Phoenix, Arizona

Huntington, Arkansas

Menifee, California

Merced, California

Mountain View, California

San Pedro, California

Stockton, California

Walnut Creek, California

Keystone Heights, Florida

Barbourville, Kentucky

Cumberland, Maryland

Pepperell, Massachusetts

Aurora, Missouri

Omaha, Nebraska

Portland, Oregon

Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania

North Augusta, South Carolina

Midland, Texas

Richmond, Texas

South Boston, Virginia

Grand Mound, Washington

Kalama, Washington

Olympia, Washington

Rochester, Washington

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Gardener's Notes:

6
positives
4
neutrals
0
negative
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C
ROSLINDALE, MA | July 2016 | neutral

The usual common name is "lacy phacelia." "Tansy" is an unrelated plant (Tanacetum vulgare), with gold flowers, that's widely considered ...Read More

E
Wisconsin Rapids, WI | July 2016 | positive

This is the 3rd year I'm growing Tansy in the Central Sands of Wisconsin. PH 6.5. Very cold zone 4. My bees love it and will even leave b...Read More

V
(Zone 8a) | April 2015 | neutral

Rating neutral as new in my garden. I did not plant it--it just showed up Spring 2015. It sure is pretty and delicate. I will keep it ...Read More

L
Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9b) | July 2013 | neutral

I planted Phacelia Tanacetifolia by my raised bed. My intention was to attract as much bees as possible. It did not work. The plants are...Read More

C
Walnut Creek, CA | February 2013 | positive

This is an Olympian Self-Seeder.

I agree with the other posts about how hover flies, bees, bumble bees LOVE this plant - e...Read More

L
Portland, OR (Zone 8b) | July 2009 | positive

The Fernleaf Fiddleneck, as called by Seeds of Change, loves full hot sun and goes completely flat in rain (or overhead watering), be war...Read More

M
San Pedro, CA (Zone 10b) | March 2008 | positive

is growing well in pot i bought it in and still blooming

P
(Zone 8a) | February 2006 | positive

The flowers are very attractive to hover flies and other beneficial insects, however this plant is also excellent when used as a green ma...Read More

E
E
(Zone 4b) | November 2002 | positive

Very easy to grow, blooms for a long time and makes lots of seeds... :)

T
T
Murfreesboro, TN (Zone 7a) | August 2001 | neutral

A U.S. native, P. tanacetifolium is grown as an annual in colder climates. Give good drainage and full sun. Self-seeds readily; deadhea...Read More

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