Caterpillar Flower (Phacelia bolanderii)

Endemic to canyons and ridges from Northern California to Southern Oregon, this little drought tolerant pollinator friendly native grows 8″ high and 2′ wide.  Plant on slopes in part sun or half day exposure for best success.  Expect flowers April to August which attract and benefit hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.  Sometimes dies to the ground, but usually returns with a vengeance next spring and always re-seeds.   Great for a difficult to access area.  Looks good with low lying California fuchsia like Epilobium ‘Scheiffelin’s Choice’ (which also appreciates sloping planting areas).

Hint for prolonged blooming, give water once a week in summer!

4″ pots of Phacelia bolanderii $2.99 each at Ploughshares this August