Phacelia campanularia, Desert Bluebells

Native to the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, desert bluebells are an annual herb growing to 1-2 ft tall and wide. The leaves are soft green, oval to rounded, carried on red stems, and topped with bell-shaped flowers in the most brilliant shade of blue. In its native habitat it blooms from February through April, providing a much-needed early food source for pollinators. In cooler regions, it blooms from spring through early summer.

It prefers sandy or decomposed granite soil in full sun. As an easy-to-grow annual wildflower, however, it is commonly found in native wildflower seed mixes. After the rainy season begins in autumn, scatter the seeds onto sandy or rocky soil. Good drainage and full sun is best. Desert Bluebells are beautiful growing in a patch, or mixed with California poppies, golden blazing stars, or Creamcups (Platystemon californicus). Allow the flowers to produce and drop seeds for more flowers next year. Once established, it will self propagate.