How much sun does Smallflower Phacelia need?

Smallflower Phacelia grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Smallflower Phacelia bloom?

Smallflower Phacelia blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Smallflower Phacelia native?

Smallflower Phacelia (Phacelia dubia) is native to AL, AR, DE, GA and 12 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Smallflower Phacelia attract?

Smallflower Phacelia draws bees, butterflies, and moths.

Is Smallflower Phacelia HOA-friendly?

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

Smallflower Phacelia

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Phacelia dubia

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–16" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, DE, GA and 12 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Smallflower phacelia is a low-growing annual wildflower that produces small blue to purple flowers in spring. This compact native plant forms neat clumps and provides early season color when many other plants are just emerging.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

Annual lifecycle means gaps when plants die
Small flowers may appear weedy to HOAs
Unpredictable reseeding creates uneven appearance

Wildlife value

The flowers are valuable early nectar sources for native bees, butterflies, and moths when few other blooms are available. It's particularly important for supporting pollinators during the critical spring emergence period.

Common questions

How much sun does Smallflower Phacelia need?: Smallflower Phacelia grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Smallflower Phacelia bloom?: Smallflower Phacelia blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Smallflower Phacelia native?: Smallflower Phacelia (Phacelia dubia) is native to AL, AR, DE, GA and 12 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Smallflower Phacelia attract?: Smallflower Phacelia draws bees, butterflies, and moths.
Is Smallflower Phacelia HOA-friendly?: Smallflower 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 Smallflower Phacelia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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