When does Phacelia nemoralis bloom?

Shade Phacelia blooms from May through July, producing clusters of small blue flowers that attract pollinators.

Where is Phacelia nemoralis native?

Phacelia nemoralis is native to the Pacific Coast states of California, Oregon, and Washington.

What pollinators visit Shade Phacelia?

Bees and butterflies are the primary pollinators attracted to Phacelia nemoralis flowers.

What growing conditions does Phacelia nemoralis prefer?

Shade Phacelia tolerates partial shade to full shade conditions and requires low water once established, making it suitable for dry shade gardens.

Is Shade Phacelia HOA-friendly?

Shade Phacelia takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Shade Phacelia

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Phacelia nemoralis

Last reviewed: June 2026

Phacelia nemoralis (Shade Phacelia) is a native wildflower of California, Oregon, and Washington that blooms May through July with blue flowers. This shade-tolerant forb attracts bees and butterflies while requiring minimal water.

Shade Phacelia (Phacelia nemoralis) — Photo: (c) Alex Abair, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alex Abair

Light

part shade

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, OR, WA

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Central California Valley

Shade phacelia is a delicate annual wildflower that produces clusters of small blue to purple flowers from late spring through summer. This compact native thrives in partially shaded areas and requires minimal water once established, making it ideal for woodland gardens or naturalized areas.

Growing Shade Phacelia

Grow Shade Phacelia in part shade and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Shade Phacelia takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Annual lifecycle creates gaps and unpredictable appearance
Can look weedy or unkempt to those unfamiliar with native plants
Small stature may appear sparse in formal landscape settings

Wildlife value

The flowers are particularly valuable to native bees and provide nectar for various butterfly species during the critical late spring to summer blooming period.

Common questions

When does Phacelia nemoralis bloom?: Shade Phacelia blooms from May through July, producing clusters of small blue flowers that attract pollinators.
Where is Phacelia nemoralis native?: Phacelia nemoralis is native to the Pacific Coast states of California, Oregon, and Washington.
What pollinators visit Shade Phacelia?: Bees and butterflies are the primary pollinators attracted to Phacelia nemoralis flowers.
What growing conditions does Phacelia nemoralis prefer?: Shade Phacelia tolerates partial shade to full shade conditions and requires low water once established, making it suitable for dry shade gardens.
Is Shade Phacelia HOA-friendly?: Shade Phacelia takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Shade Phacelia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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