Phacelia
Phacelia tanacetifolia
Phacelia (fiddleneck or scorpion weed) has been grown for a long time as a fast-growing green manure which is dug into the soil before the plant flowers (it will self-seed and become a weed problem in its own right otherwise). Self-seeding aside, the flowers are a beautiful shade of purple and brilliant for honey bees and bumblebees. The flowers can be cut and used in arrangements. Phacelia is in the same family as borage and is another annual that needs space – the plants can grow to 60cm or more in height with a spread of 30cm.
Sow Sow direct into the ground where it is to flower in spring. A later sowing in late spring or early summer will prolong the flowering season.
Grow Phacelia grows quickly and the seedlings, with deeply cut leaves, are easily distinguished from any weeds that might spring up at the same time. Thin the plants to about 30cm apart when they are large enough… if you’re gentle with them, the thinned plants can be transplanted to another part of the garden. The plants love sun and are tolerant of a range of soils. Deadhead furiously if you want to prevent it self-seeding.
Uses Phacelia can be grown as a green manure to add organic matter to your soil, but its main attraction is as a pollinator plant. If you are cutting the flowers to use in bouquets, give the stems a good long drink in a bucket of cool water before arranging.