Wednesday's Story

When I moved to the desert…

To Tucson, Arizona, I was in junior high. I could have never imagined all that could be found there. At that point in my life, I could only imagine there being hot sun and sand dunes. As I flew in for the first time, I was bewildered to see the majestic mountains surrounding the city. I was also surprised, over time, by the many curious cacti, brushes and trees, and I never expected that there could be so many colorful, vibrant and delicate flowers that could survive in the desert.

Find this flower and others in our floral print store.

points of interest

Upright and compact form with simple, ovate, coarsely toothed, dark green leaves and hairy stems. Vibrant, dark blue flowers are bell-shaped with white anthers and open along an uncoiling raceme from late spring to summer. Nectar rich flowers attract bees and other insects. Desert native, but suitable for the front of a border or wildlife garden.

general care

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Sow in situ in spring or early autumn or allow to self sow.

friday’s flower fact

In spring following a moist winter, thousands of these wildflowers bloom early in the season, forming masses of rich deep blue.