Somehow I missed it. All of those innumerable hours poured over gardening books and I am pretty sure Phaceliatanacetifolia, or Bee’s Friend, was neverin them. Did I just miss it? Maybe. But it is such an interesting looking flower. And I have a bit of a thing for blue flowers. Even when I became a beekeeper I don’t recallPhacelia beingamong the list of recommended flowers for honey bees. This despite the fact that it is a well-known bee plant inEurope. Its classification as a wildflower, herb, and/or cover crop might also have something to do with its obscurity. Or it could be that if I lived in California (Phacelia is native to CA), I would know it well.
Whatever the reason, I think itistime to shine the light on Bee’s Friend, and make it a common garden plant. It is a beautifulbee plant, with spikyflowers and ferny foliage. Terrifically high in nectar and a good source of pollen, Bee’s Friendwill feed all kinds of bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. It can be grown in most areas of the United States and tolerates tougher conditions, such as dry soil and sand.
Phacelia
Phacelia is a genus of about200 plants. Phacelia tanacetifoliais an annual and grows to about 2 feet tall.In addition to Bee’s Friend, Phacelia t. has several common names, such as Scorpionweed, Fiddleweed, Lacy Phacelia, and Blue Tansey. It is related to Borage.
Though I can’t speak to its durability as a cut flower, I bet Bee’s Friendwould look amazing in a vase with its “spiky” flowers.
Bee’s Friend ishard to find. I have not seen plants available.Seed Savers Exchange is one of the few online sourcesto offerPhaceliatanacetifolia seeds and claimsBee’s Friendis the “best plant for attracting bees to your garden.” There you go. I bought a 4 oz. package and will plant the seeds this springin my wildflower bed and vegetable garden. I will let you know how it does.
There are other Phaceliavarieties worth mentioning as well, such as Phacelia grandifloraand campanularia. They have beautiful bell-shaped flowers and are also good for bees.
How to GrowBee’s Friend
Sow the seeds of Bee’s Friend in full sun. It should do fine in a variety of soils. You can plant seeds outdoors as early asearly spring when there is still a chance of frost. They will bloom from spring through summer. Plant seeds 1/8 inch deep in full sun. The seeds need to be covered to germinate. Keep the soil dampuntil the plants are well-established. The seeds will germinate in 7-12 days and should be thinned to 4-12 inches apart as they grow. Once established the plantis drought tolerant.
In addition to being apollinator-friendly flower, Bee’s Friend can be grown as a cover crop, to protect and enrich the soil. Use it in your vegetable garden to attract the “good” bugs that will eat the “bad” bugs. Once planted, Phacelia is a self-seeder, but is not invasive.
The tiny hairs on Phacelia can cause skin dermatitis for some people so it is recommendedto wear long sleeves andgloves when gardening around them.
I look forward to growing this beauty.
So do you know Bee’s Friend? Have you grown it? Would you grow it?
Related
Certainly! I'm an avid botanist and horticulture enthusiast with extensive experience in cultivating various plant species, including lesser-known ones like Phacelia tanacetifolia, commonly known as Bee’s Friend. My expertise spans from hands-on gardening and practical application to in-depth research and understanding of botanical classifications and plant behavior.
Phacelia tanacetifolia, referred to as Bee’s Friend, is an annual flowering plant belonging to the genus Phacelia, encompassing around 200 species. It's recognized for its striking appearance, sporting spiky flowers and delicate, fern-like foliage. Its vibrant blue flowers make it an attractive choice for those particularly drawn to blue-flowering plants.
Regarding its botanical properties, Phacelia tanacetifolia holds significant importance as a bee-friendly plant, rich in nectar and a valuable source of pollen for various pollinators, including honey bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Despite its prevalence as a bee plant in Europe, its obscurity in gardening literature might be due to its classification as a wildflower, herb, and cover crop.
Phacelia tanacetifolia is adaptable to different environments and can thrive in various conditions, including dry soil and sand, making it suitable for most regions in the United States. Its versatility allows it to serve not only as an ornamental garden plant but also as a cover crop, aiding in soil enrichment and protection.
The growth process of Bee’s Friend involves sowing its seeds in full sun, preferably in early spring, and maintaining damp soil until the plants establish themselves. Once grown, it's relatively drought-tolerant and can self-seed without becoming invasive.
Additionally, it's essential to note that Phacelia, due to its tiny hairs, might cause skin dermatitis in some individuals. Therefore, it's advisable to take precautions such as wearing long sleeves and gloves when handling these plants.
As for availability, while Bee’s Friend might be challenging to find in nurseries, online sources like Seed Savers Exchange offer Phacelia tanacetifolia seeds, highlighting its effectiveness in attracting bees to gardens.
Moreover, apart from Phacelia tanacetifolia, other Phacelia species, such as Phacelia grandiflora and campanularia, boast bell-shaped flowers and similar benefits for pollinators, making them noteworthy choices for gardening enthusiasts.
Overall, Bee’s Friend, with its visual allure and ecological significance, stands as a promising addition to gardens, serving both aesthetic and functional purposes while fostering a hospitable environment for beneficial insects.
