Bird's-eye Gilia
Gilia tricolor
A delicate annual wildflower with fine, feathery fern-like foliage and clusters of small, bell-shaped lavender to blue flowers with dark centers and yellow throats.
- Light
- Full sun, at least 6 to 8 hours per day.
- Water
- Low to moderate. Drought-tolerant once established; water every 1-2 weeks during dry spells. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Growth
- Upright annual herb. Height 6-18 inches; spread 6-12 inches. Quick growth rate in spring.
Care instructions
Requires minimal maintenance; prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Sow seeds in fall or early spring and avoid overwatering once established.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, at least 6 to 8 hours per day.
Watering
Low to moderate. Drought-tolerant once established; water every 1-2 weeks during dry spells. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Soil
Prefers sandy, gravelly, or crumbly well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 3-10 (as an annual).
Growth habit
Upright annual herb. Height 6-18 inches; spread 6-12 inches. Quick growth rate in spring.
Bloom season
Spring to early summer. Lavender-blue flowers with five petals, often featuring a distinct tricolor pattern including a dark purple ring and yellow throat.
Propagation
Propagated by seeds sown directly in the garden in autumn or early spring.
Common pests & issues
Relatively pest-free but can suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils or aphid infestations during new growth.
Similar species
Blue Gilia (Gilia capitata) which has more globe-shaped, spherical flower heads rather than the loose clusters of G. tricolor.