Scientific Name: Wahlenbergia gracilenta
Common Name: annual bluebell
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Campanulaceae
Form Description: Slender annual or ephemeral herb with tap root bearing many slender laterals.
Height (m): 0.03 – 0.5
Flowers: Corolla usually pale blue, 2-3mm in diameter tube up to 3mm long, lobes narrow-oblong, spreading.
Fruit: Papery capsule
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Widespread and frequent especially in dry places and in sandy soil near the coasts.
Site Tolerance
Dry, Exposed, Windy
Soil Tolerance
Loam, Nutrient-poor, Sandy, Well-drained
Propagation Calendar
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Flowering Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Seed Collecting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Sowing Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Cutting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed Information
Seed Collection
Capsules change from green to tan-brown and become brittle when seed is ripe. Cut stalks of capsules, place upside down in paper bag and dry in warm spot. Beat capsules to help release fine red-brown seed. Sieve to clean.
Seed Treatment Method
Storage Stratification at 3-5°C for up to 3 months may improve results. Place seed in a damp medium, lightly covered. Put moist seeds in a plastic bag and store in the fridge.
Seed Treatment Notes
Seed matures 3-5 weeks after flowering. Seed from some areas may have 4-6 months after-ripening period. Stratification at 3-5°C for 3 months may also improve results. Cover the fine seed only lightly as darkness significantly decreases results.
Germination Time
3-4 weeks
Cutting & Division Information
Can be grown from cuttings or by division.