Desertbells: A Charming Annual with Complex Origins
Meet desertbells (Phacelia campanularia campanularia), a delightful annual forb that’s sure to spark some interesting conversations in your garden. This herbaceous beauty might have you scratching your head about its origins, but that’s all part of its quirky charm!
Where Does Desertbells Call Home?
Here’s where things get interesting with desertbells. This plant has a bit of an identity crisis when it comes to its native status. While it’s considered native to the lower 48 United States, it’s actually classified as non-native in Canada, despite growing in Alberta, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories. You’ll also find it thriving in Arizona, California, and surprisingly, New York.
What Makes Desertbells Special?
As an annual forb, desertbells completes its entire life cycle in just one growing season. It’s a non-woody plant that puts all its energy into producing flowers and seeds before winter arrives. The plant belongs to the broader category of herbaceous plants that lack significant woody tissue, making it quite different from shrubs or trees.
Should You Plant Desertbells?
The decision to plant desertbells depends largely on where you’re gardening and your conservation goals. Here are some factors to consider:
- If you’re gardening in Canada, you might want to explore native alternatives since desertbells isn’t indigenous to these regions
- In the southwestern United States where it’s native, it could be a lovely addition to appropriate garden styles
- Its annual nature means you’ll need to replant or allow it to self-seed each year
- The plant has an undefined conservation status (S3?T2?), which suggests some uncertainty about its population stability
Growing Desertbells Successfully
Unfortunately, specific growing conditions for this particular variety aren’t well documented in available resources. However, as an annual forb, desertbells likely prefers:
- Well-draining soil
- Full sun to partial shade
- Moderate watering during the growing season
- Direct seeding in spring after frost danger has passed
Garden Design Considerations
Without detailed information about its mature size and appearance, it’s challenging to provide specific design recommendations. As an annual forb, desertbells would likely work well in:
- Wildflower meadows
- Annual cutting gardens
- Mixed borders where you enjoy experimenting with different plants each year
The Bottom Line
Desertbells presents an interesting case study in plant geography and garden choices. While it may have ornamental value, the limited available information and its non-native status in some regions where it currently grows suggest that gardeners might want to explore well-documented native alternatives first.
If you’re drawn to the idea of growing desertbells, consider researching similar native Phacelia species in your area, or consult with local native plant societies for recommendations that might give you similar garden interest while supporting local ecosystems.
Remember, the best garden plants are often those that naturally belong in your region – they’re easier to grow, support local wildlife, and help maintain the unique character of your local landscape!
