Gilia capitata

Common Names

Globe Gilia, Bluehead Gilia, Blue Field Gilia, Blue Gilia

Summary

Gilia capitata, commonly Bluehead Gilia or Globe Gilia, is an annual herb native to western North America from Alaska to northern Mexico. It has branched stems 10–90 cm tall with fern-like leaves divided into toothed or lobed leaflets, and spherical heads of 50–100 small flowers atop the branches; individual flowers have a throat opening into a spreading corolla that may be white, pink, lavender, or light blue. The plant attracts bees and butterflies, is drought-tolerant, and self-seeds readily.

In cultivation, it prefers full sun and well-drained soils, especially sandy or rocky substrates, and requires sparing watering once established. Propagation is by seed, direct sowing is common, and two weeks of stratification can improve germination; deadheading is optional and can promote more blooms. It is easy to grow, low maintenance, suitable for mass plantings, wildflower meadows, borders, and pollinator gardens, and not toxic to humans or pets.

Lifecycle

Annual, Perennial in zones 7–10

Height

12-24 inches

Spread

12-24 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun; tolerates Partial Sun and Partial Shade; may tolerate Full Shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil with neutral pH (about 6.0–7.0), typically sandy, loamy, or rocky.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0-7.0, neutral pH

Bloom Color

Blue

Bloom Time

Spring through Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Other

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and butterflies.