Overview
Phacelia hastata Dougl. ex Lehm. var. alpina (Rydb.) Cronq., commonly known as Mountain Phacelia, is a lovely flowering plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. This plant is native to North America and can be found growing in several western states, including Idaho, Montana, Colorado, and Wyoming.
Description
Mountain Phacelia is an herbaceous perennial plant that grows in a compact rosette shape. Its stems can reach a height of up to 80 centimeters, and the plant can spread to about 25 centimeters. Its leaves are covered in soft hairs that give them a fuzzy feel and are ovate to lanceolate in shape. The flowers of Mountain Phacelia are a beautiful shade of blue-purple, and they bloom in the late spring to early summer season. The flowers attract several pollinators, including bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
Common Names
Mountain Phacelia has several common names, including Alpine Phacelia, Mountain Bluebells, and Rock Phacelia.
Uses
Mountain Phacelia is a beautiful plant that is often planted in rock gardens and used for landscaping. However, it also has several medicinal uses. The leaves of the plant can be made into tea and used for colds, coughs, and sore throats. The Navajo Native Americans have traditionally used the plant to treat arthritis and muscle pain. Additionally, the Mountain Phacelia is used in the horticulture industry as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion.
Light Requirements
Phacelia hastata Dougl. ex Lehm. var. alpina (Rydb.) Cronq. typically grows in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate moderate shade, but prolonged shade will result in weak stems and foliage. In areas with hot summers, partial shade may be beneficial to prevent heat stress.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to cooler temperatures and can tolerate frost. It typically grows in regions with cool summers and cold winters. The ideal temperature range for Phacelia hastata Dougl. ex Lehm. var. alpina (Rydb.) Cronq. is between 10-25°C (50-77°F). Temperatures above 30°C (86°F) can cause heat stress, which may affect growth and flowering.
Soil Requirements
Phacelia hastata Dougl. ex Lehm. var. alpina (Rydb.) Cronq. prefers moist, well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5-8.0. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and rocky soils. However, it does not tolerate waterlogged soils and is susceptible to root rot in such conditions. This plant has a shallow root system and benefits from the addition of organic matter to the soil to improve moisture retention.
Cultivation Methods
Phacelia hastata is an undemanding plant that can be grown in a variety of environments. It can thrive in both full sun and partial shade, and it does well in well-draining soils. This plant is also relatively tolerant of drought conditions, but it does require moist soil during germination and establishment stages. It is recommended to sow these seeds directly into the garden in early spring, as the plants will bloom in the summer.
Watering Needs
While Phacelia hastata can withstand dry conditions, it still requires regular watering. Newly sprouted seeds require consistent moisture until the plants have become established. After that, they can tolerate occasional dry spells, but it's best to keep the soil consistently moist. Watering deeply but infrequently is recommended. Avoid overhead watering, which can harm the flowers and foliage.
Fertilization
Phacelia hastata typically does not require fertilization if it is grown in healthy, well-draining soil. However, if the soil is lacking nutrients, you may apply an all-purpose fertilizer in the early spring after the plants have established themselves. Avoid fertilizers that are high in nitrogen, as this can encourage foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Phacelia hastata does not require much pruning. It can benefit from deadheading spent flowers to encourage a second bloom. If desired or necessary for space management, this plant can be cut back by up to one-third after the initial bloom. However, cutting it back too much can reduce the chances for re-bloom and disturb the plant's natural form.
Propagation of Phacelia hastata Dougl. ex Lehm. var. alpina (Rydb.) Cronq.
Phacelia hastata Dougl. ex Lehm. var. alpina (Rydb.) Cronq. can be propagated via two methods:
Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method for Phacelia hastata Dougl. ex Lehm. var. alpina (Rydb.) Cronq. Seeds should be collected when the plant starts producing mature seeds, which is usually in late summer or early fall. The collected seeds must be cleaned and dried before planting.
The seeds can then be planted in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. The soil should be moist but not wet. The ideal temperature for germination is between 55 to 75°F (13 to 24°C). It is important to keep the soil moist throughout the germination period.
Division
Phacelia hastata Dougl. ex Lehm. var. alpina (Rydb.) Cronq. can also be propagated by division. This method is best done in the spring, just before new growth begins. The plant should be dug up carefully, ensuring that the root system remains intact.
The root ball should then be divided into smaller sections, each containing both roots and shoots. The smaller sections should be replanted immediately in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Each newly divided plant should be kept moist but not wet until new growth begins.
Disease Management
Phacelia hastata Dougl. ex Lehm. var. alpina (Rydb.) Cronq. is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. Some of the common diseases that can infect this plant include:
- Powdery mildew: This disease appears as a white powdery growth on the surface of leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage this disease, you can use a solution of neem oil, baking soda, and water to spray the plant. Ensure you cover both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves.
- Leaf spot: This disease causes circular dark brown spots with yellow margins on the leaves, which can coalesce and lead to defoliation. You can manage this disease by promptly removing the infected plant parts, and avoid wetting the leaves while watering.
- Root rot: This disease affects the roots, causing them to rot and turn brown. The infected plants usually wilt and eventually die. To manage this disease, ensure proper drainage, and avoid overwatering the plant, especially during humid conditions.
Pest Management
Phacelia hastata Dougl. ex Lehm. var. alpina (Rydb.) Cronq. is also susceptible to various pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Some of the common pests that can infest this plant include:
- Aphids: These are small insects that suck the sap of the plant, leading to stunted growth and deformation of leaves. To manage aphids, you can use a solution of soapy water, neem oil, or an insecticidal soap to spray the plant regularly.
- Spider mites: These are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant sap, causing yellowing of leaves and the formation of white webs under the leaves. To manage spider mites, you can wash the plant with water or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Cutworms: These are caterpillar-like larvae that feed on the stem of the plant, causing wilt and death. To manage cutworms, you can place collars around the base of the plant or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide.
