1. Globe Gilia – Gilia capitata ssp. abrotanifolia
(JEEL (or GILL)-ee-uh kap-ih-TAY-tuh
ab-ro-tan-i-FO-lee-a)
Family: Polemoneaceae (Phlox Family)
Western S. CA to Baja California; open sandy/rocky places in Coastal Sage Scrub,
Chaparral. Often seen after fires.
Native to:
annual wildflower
mature height: 1-3 ft.
mature width: 1-3 ft.
Slender branched annual, leafy mainly from the lower part of the stem with finely cut foliage. Dies
back in summer, but reseeds naturally.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms Apr-Jul. Produces large quantities of beautiful pale blue to violet blue
flowers in tight 1-1.5 inch pincushionlike clusters. Important nectar plant.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Cottage/informal gardens, floral borders and beds, wildflower prairies, rock
gardens. Can be grown n containers. Nice cut flower. Thrives on dry banks. Easy and charming.
Looks particularly nice with yellow of white-flowering native plants.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Globe Gilias, horticultural Alliums.
Attracts:
Important nectar source for bees, many types of butterflies, hummingbirds.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun or bright shade
Any well-drained soil from sand to clay (quite tolerant); neutral pH
Winter water only; no supplemental water in normal winters
None needed
Management:
Easy to grow. Reliably self-sows. Plants may require support.
Propagation: from seed:
easy. Sow in containers or prepared seed beds Fall to early Spring.
Two weeks cold exposure may hasten germination.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers):
2, 5, 8, 10, 13, 14, 19
11/30/10
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