I planted this plant after it was recommended in several books and online forums as being attractive to pollinators. After all, one of its common names is "bee's friend." In reality, however, I have found it to be far less attractive and far less popular with bees than the borage (Borago officinalis) I have planted. This phacelia has a weedy, rangy, brittle growth habit and the flowers, while interesting, do not really look good in a garden setting, even in a very informal cottage-y one like mine.

I pride myself in keeping a meticulously weed free garden, and I have been embarrassed to have many people point out the phacelia asking me why am I letting weeds grow freely in my garden. Even in full bloom, it is rather a pathetic sight.

If this plant decides to self sow, I will let the resulting seedling grow. But I will not plant this on purpose ever again. Borage--itself a bit coarse and weedy-- has much more garden oomph and swarms with bees.