Gardening information for a California native annual wildflower.

1. California (Showy) gilia – Gilia achilleifolia (JEEL-ee-uh ah-kill-ee-uh-FOE-lee-uh)
Family: Polemoniaceae (Phlox Family)
Native to: Coastal CA from Marin and Contra Costa to San Diego Counties, including L.A. basin
foothills & coastal prairie; grassy, open places below 4000 ft., often in sandy or rocky soils.
Growth characteristics: annual wildflower mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: 1-2 ft.
Erect, herbaceous annual with the feathery, dissected leaves typical for our native Gilias. Similar in
appearance to Globe gilia (Gilia capitata), but more open, relaxed leaves and flower clusters.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in later spring – May or June. Small, funnel-shaped flowers grow in ball-
like clusters at the ends of stems, above the foliage. Color ranges from white to blue-lavender.
Very pretty flower that attracts a number of native bee pollinators. Pretty blue wildflower!
Uses in the garden: Often used in pollinator gardens. Combines well with other native wildflowers
and grasses. Very lovely massed – striking color. Fine addition to cottage garden or mixed beds.
This plant has been planted (and naturalized) in much of the U.S. due to its decorative flowers.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native blue spring annuals.
Attracts: Excellent bee and bird habitat: provides nectar and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to part-shade; OK in dappled shade under trees.
Soil Well-drained best, but OK in others. Any local pH.
Water Adequate winter/spring water; withhold after bloom.
Fertilizer None needed except in containers (1/2 strength in winter)
Other No, gravel or light leaf mulch.
Management: Easy to grow. Re-seeds well, but birds love seeds; save some seeds for next year.
Propagation: from seed: easy – no treatment needed
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 19, 46 1/2/2018
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