Phacelia Silky Phacelia Sericea is a hardy perennial plant native to Western North America. Phacelia Silky seeds can be planted indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors in early spring or fall. Also commonly called Blue Alpine Phacelia and Purple Fringe, this alpine flower forms compact foliage with leaves that are covered with dense silvery-gray hairs and several erect stems bear tight cylindrical clusters of extremely showy purple or dark blue-violet flowers which appear as dense, short coils with long, protruding, fringed stamens. The long stamens give the flower clusters a fuzzy appearance. Phacelia Silky showy flowers attract honeybees and butterflies.
Phacelia Silky is a great choice for rock and alpine gardens, crevice gardens and this attractive, long-lasting perennial flower is perfect for xeriscaping. Phacelia Sericea seeds germinate in 3-4 weeks, and if sown indoors, it is recommended to keep these seeds at room temperature for 4 weeks (to break dormancy) followed by 6 weeks in the refrigerator (cold stratification) before returning to a cool room (59–68°F) for germination, which may take 4-12 weeks. Blue Alpine Phacelia grows well in average, gritty, lean, rocky, and well-drained soil, requiring regular to low watering and tolerating drought and heat once established. The plant thrives in full sun, requiring 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth, but it can tolerate partial sun or partial shade, particularly in hotter climates.
PLANT PROFILE
Season: Perennial
Height: 16 Inches
Bloom Season: Summer
Environment: Full Sun/Partial Sun
Soil Type: Sandy/Rocky/Well-drained, pH 5.5-7.5
USDA Zones: 3-8
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
Sow Indoors: Winter/Spring (6-8 weeks before last frost)
Sow Outdoors: Early Spring/Fall
Seed Depth: 1/16 Inch
Germination Time: 21-30 Days
