How much sun does Silky phacelia need?

Silky phacelia grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Silky phacelia bloom?

Silky phacelia blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Silky phacelia native?

Silky phacelia (Phacelia sericea) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Silky phacelia HOA-friendly?

Silky phacelia is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Silky phacelia

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Phacelia sericea

Last reviewed: October 2026

Toxicity unknown

Silky phacelia (Phacelia sericea) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–16" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states

Pollinators

bees

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Silky phacelia.

Try it with your yard

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies High Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains

A low perennial with silvery, finely divided leaves and dense spikes of purple flowers with long, protruding stamens that give a fuzzy look. Grows on rocky, well-drained slopes.

In an HOA neighborhood

Silky phacelia is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: rock gardens, border edges.

Wildlife value

Its dense flower spikes are heavily visited by bumble bees and other native bees.

Common questions

How much sun does Silky phacelia need?: Silky phacelia grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Silky phacelia bloom?: Silky phacelia blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Silky phacelia native?: Silky phacelia (Phacelia sericea) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Silky phacelia attract?: Silky phacelia draws bees.
Is Silky phacelia HOA-friendly?: Silky phacelia is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app