One of the few native annuals, this wildflower has blue-and-white flowers in spring and early summer.
Nativeannualsare far and few; baby blue eyes is one of them.
After its profuse bloom, baby blue eyes declines rapidly and dies when the summer heat sets in.
However, it easily reseeds if the growing conditions are right.
This annual makes an excellent short-lived groundcover in wildflower or rock gardens.
It withstands light foot traffic.
Baby blue eyes is also suitable for containers andhanging baskets, spilling gracefully down the sides.
Its flowers attract pollinators that will swarm to enjoy the nectar.
For a stunning carpet effect.
plant baby blue eyes in drifts or as mass plantings.
It is especially striking when paired with yellow or orange flowers.
These choices will provide color for weeks in winter and/or early spring.
Baby blue eyes is also suitable for window boxes and patio side containers as well as hanging baskets.
Plant baby blue eyes near the containers edge to let its branches ramble over the edge.
Cover the seeds only lightly, they need light to germinate.
Thin the seedlings and only leave the two strongest seedlings per pot.
Transplant them outdoors after the last spring frost.
Space plants 10 to 12 inches apart.
Light
Plant baby blue eyes infull sunto part shade.
In climates with hot summers, afternoon shade is recommended.
In the absence of regular rainfall, water the plants until they are established.
Fertilizer
Like most wildflowers, baby blue eyes does not need fertilizer.
Too much fertilizer, especiallyexcess nitrogen, will lead to an overgrowth of foliage and poor bloom.
Instead of fertilizing, amend the soil with compost before planting.
Pruning
There is no need to prune the plants.
Just confirm the container has large drainage holes and fill it with well-draining potting mix.
It needs regular watering, much more frequently than plants in a garden bed.
Hanging baskets dry out even faster than standard pots; daily watering in the summer is not unusual.
Repotting is not necessary as the plant concludes its life cycle in the summer.
Pests and Problems
Baby blue eyes has no serious insect or disease issues.
It mayattract aphidsand it is prone to getting powdery and downy mildew.
If provided with water, this variety blooms for several months.
A low-growing, trailing annual, it reaches only 4 inches in height.
Snow White
This variety ofNemophila menziesiihas large, pure-white blooms in the early spring.
The plants with scalloped foliage grow 8 to 12 inches tall and wide.
Five Spot
Nemophila maculata, also called buffalo eyes, is another California native wildflower in theNemophilagenus.
It has 1-inch white blooms with purple spots.
The foliage is either solid green or has white spots.
It grows 1 foot tall and spreads 2 feet.
Beautiful, satiny flowers in sunset hues wave above ferny, blue-green foliage.
They like poor soils, especially sandy soils.
Plant them from seed in the fall or very early spring.
They like moist conditions at first, but they are drought-tolerant once established.
California poppies will reseed easily.
Or use it in containersit’s a great medium-height plant to visually tie together taller plants and cascading plants.
Though it’s usually grown as an annual, nierembergia is perennial in Zones 7-10.
This delightful little annual, also called love-in-a-mist, blooms throughout the summer.
The seed pods are often used in dried-flower crafts.
Nigella does best in full sun andwell-drained soil.
