Facelia: the flower symbol of harmony and courage

Plant also used for ornamental purposes, Facelia is particularly suitable for fertilizing the soil and for the production of honey. in this article we will go into specific detail on all aspects of this beautiful plant.

Facelia is an annual plant belonging to the Hydrophyllaceae family and is of Mexican and Californian origins. Equipped with a rather deep root and an erect posture that makes it reach a height of about 1 meter. Its stems are hollow, of an intense green color and covered with a very dense down, while the leaves, also covered with down, are toothed and resemble those of Tansy.

The Facelia produces beautiful flowers also used as cut flowers, they have the shape of a spiral and a blue-violet color. They attract bees and many other hoverflies. Furthermore, the fruits have powerful germinative abilities, in fact when they fall to the ground they are able to generate new plants. It is a melliferous plant, therefore ideal for bees, due to its flowering and the abundant presence of pollen. Moreover, bees find nourishment here even in summer, when usually many other plants have already withered.

The facelia is also used as a natural herbicide, because it is able to release substances that prevent the growth of new weeds and is particularly used for organic agriculture, because it attracts insects Hoverflies useful against aphids.

How to grow it

Facelia easily adapts to bright places, where the sun shines for several hours every day. Its cold resistance is quite good in the first months of development, but it tends to suffer from frost when the plant is more developed. Its cycle ends in winter, when the plant becomes dry and therefore dies.

Facelia  must be planted in preferably well-drained soil, although in general it can adapt quite easily to other types of soil as well. It does not need regular irrigation as rainwater can suffice, but in case of long periods of drought it should still be watered regularly.
Facelia also does not need to be fertilized, in fact it uses the nutrients present in the soil. As for reproduction, the Facelia should be sown towards the end of February in areas where the climate is mild, while it is advisable to sow it in the spring in colder areas, such as in Northern Italy.

The seeds should be buried about 5 centimeters deep, in a well-drained soil, after about 50 days from sowing they will produce flowers for about two months.

Diseases and treatments

The plant is well resistant to diseases and pests. However, it may be that its leaves take on a blackish color due to a fungus.

It does not require special care, only the infected plants must be eradicated to prevent these from spreading and ruining the neighboring plants as well.

Curiosity

Facelia is considered a symbol of harmony and courage and, thanks to the color of its flowers, it is often also used as an ornamental plant for its beauty that gives a touch of great style to the whole environment.