Phacelia tanacetifolia, commonly known as Fiddleneck, is a remarkable annual plant native to the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico. It is highly regarded for its benefits in supporting beneficial insects and its attractive ornamental qualities.
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Here’s what you need to know about this versatile plant:
Description:
- Fiddleneck is an annual plant known for its long-lasting, fiddlehead clusters of lavender-blue, bell-shaped flowers. The flowers feature long stamens that elegantly extend beyond the blooms.
- Blooming from late spring to early fall, this plant can provide up to five months of continuous flowering.
- Its fine, feathery foliage resembles that of tansy.
Growth and Landscape Use:
- This fast-growing annual typically reaches heights of 1-4 feet (30-120 cm) with a spread of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm).
- Fiddleneck thrives in full sun and prefers poor, rocky, sandy, and well-drained soils.
- It creates a dense carpet that shades and stabilizes the soil while allowing moisture to penetrate.
- The plant is an excellent choice for mixed borders, cottage gardens, city gardens, wildlife gardens, and prairie gardens. It also makes a lovely addition to fresh-cut flower arrangements due to its unique and attractive blooms.
Benefits for Pollinators and Beneficial Insects:
- Fiddleneck is one of the very best bee plants and is highly attractive to bumblebees and honeybees. It is regarded as one of the top 20 honey-producing flowers for honeybees.
- The plant is also beneficial for syrphid flies (hover flies) whose larvae are voracious feeders on aphids and young caterpillars.
- Additionally, Fiddleneck attracts other beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps and minute pirate bugs, making it a valuable companion plant in gardens.
Cultivation and Maintenance:
- Fiddleneck is low-maintenance, highly disease and pest-free, and drought-tolerant.
- It can be planted in early spring or fall in mild winter areas and may reappear year after year through self-seeding.
Caution:
- Contact with the plant may cause skin irritation, so care should be taken when handling it.
In summary, Phacelia tanacetifolia or Fiddleneck is a multifunctional plant that offers ornamental beauty and provides essential support for pollinators and beneficial insects in the garden. Its continuous blooming period and adaptability to various soil types make it a valuable addition to a wide range of garden settings.