How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Globe Gilia

If bachelor’s buttons and ornamental alliums had a baby, you’d get globe gilia! Globe gilia is the perfect low-maintenance flower to add to your lineup if you have hot summers, rocky soil, and want to attract pollinators to your garden. In 2018, Oregon State University included it in its list of early-season bloomers that serve as an important food source for native bees. 

This annual wildflower boasts fern-like foliage and gorgeous blooms in shades of blue and violet. The fluffy flower heads have tubular flowers that butterflies and bees love. With no need for extra attention and its ability to self-seed and thrive in rocky soil, it’s easy to say yes to this native wildflower!

Let’s talk about how to plant, grow, and care for globe gilia. 

Globe Gilia Overview

Botanical Name  Gilia capitata Plant Type  Quick-growing, herbaceous annual wildflower Family Polemoniaceae (Phlox) Genus Gilia  Special Characteristics Blue, pollinator plant, drought, and rocky soil tolerance	Native Area  Western United States Exposure Full sun Height  6 to 42 inches Watering Requirements  Low once established Soil Type  Well-draining, with a neutral pH	Pests  No serious pests have been identified Diseases Fungal diseases and root rot Maintenance Low Hardiness Zones Perennial in 7 to 10, annual down to zone 5  Bloom Time Spring and summer

What Is It?

Globe gilia is a fast-growing annual wildflower native to the Pacific Coast. It is highly regarded for attracting various native pollinators, namely the yellow-faced bumble bee. It is a host plant for the Adela singulella moth, and serves as a strong nectar source for hummingbirds who love their slender, tubular flowers. The spherical, dense flower heads make a great landing area for butterflies as well, making it easy to feed on their easily accessible nectar and (blue!) pollen.

Its official name comes from the Italian naturalist Felipe Luigi Gilii and its species capitata translates to “head-like,” referring to its spherical flower head. Globe gilia is sometimes called bluehead gilia, bluehead gilt-flower, queen Anne’s thimble, blue thimble, or blue gilia. 

Native Area

This annual wildflower is native to the Rocky Mountain areas and the western United States, from Washington south to California. It can grow in elevations to 6,000 feet. It often shows up in areas recently destroyed by fire.

Characteristics 

Globe gilia plants can grow to over three feet tall and 12 inches wide at the base. Stems are tall, erect, and multi-branched. The top of each features a spherical cluster of small, elongated flowers that appear to be a globe. Each flower head may contain up to 100 tiny flowers and feature white, blue, or pink thread-like stamen. Flowers and pollen are both shades of blue and violet. 

The foliage is green and lacy with finely dissected, basal, and textured leaves that tend to be more dense at the base of the plant. Pop these into a wildflower bouquet, and they’ll serve as a filler and a unique pop of color.

How to Grow

Globe gilia is low maintenance and very easy to grow from seed.

Light 

Globe gilia will perform best in areas with full sun but may tolerate some light shade. Stems will be stronger and bulkier when grown in full sun and may become leggy when grown in shade.

Water

Water consistently and deeply when new sown or transplanted. Once established, plants are drought-tolerant. Supplemental irrigation helps during extended periods of extreme heat and dryness. 

Soil

Soil should be well-draining and neutral in pH. While the soil should be moist during direct sowing or transplant and as they establish, mature plants are drought-tolerant. Rocky and sandy soils are appropriate for globe gilia as well.

Temperature and Humidity 

Globe gilia can handle temperatures up to 100°F (38°C), but it needs supplemental irrigation in times of prolonged drought conditions and harsh sun. The plants may wilt in hot weather but should perk back up after a deep watering session within a day or so. 

Plants may survive where winters are mild and no frost occurs. Too much water and humidity will increase the risk of fungal diseases and root rot. 

Fertilizer

No supplemental fertilizer is necessary for this wildflower to thrive. When planting outside, you may incorporate a light amount of compost for a bit of slow-release soil food and to help with drainage, especially in clay-like soils. Too many nutrients for this rocky soil lover can result in lower performance.

Maintenance

Overall, these plants are low-maintenance. Staking is helpful if stems are tall and weak. Plant them en masse or surround them with shrubs and perennials that may offer support to the globe gilia. 

Pruning

Deadheading is only necessary if you do not want the plant to self-seed. Remove all dead and cut stems from the garden and compost them. They won’t survive frost or harsh winters, so cut them to the ground and compost everything in the fall during garden clean-up. Seeds left behind will sprout in the spring. 

Blooming

Fluffy violet, sweetly-scented flowers will bloom from May to July. Hang stems to dry and use in everlasting bouquets or flower crafts. 

Planting and Propagation 

Starting globe gilia from seed is the preferred method. Sow seeds indoors or directly outdoors. 

Growing From Seed

Do not cover seeds, as they need light to germinate. Direct sow them two to three weeks before your area’s last estimated frost date or after the risk of frost and a few weeks in the refrigerator. Seeds take two to three weeks to germinate at 70°F (21°C). 

Alternatively, sow them outdoors in the fall and allow them to naturally cold stratify. Seeds will reliably germinate, and plants are easy to establish. Sow every few weeks if you desire a continuous supply of blooms. Thin to 6-12 inch spacing. 

Natural Self-Seeding

Globe gilia readily self-seeds if you don’t deadhead the plants. While quick-growing, it isn’t known to become invasive. If seedlings sprout in unwanted areas, they can easily be removed by pulling them up. 

Transplanting

You can sow seeds into flats and transplant them into your garden when the soil can be worked, and seedlings are two to three inches tall. Space them at 12 inches. 

Popular Varieties 

Native to western North America from Alaska to northern Mexico, this species has been introduced to the eastern side of the continent and can be grown successfully in the right conditions. Some can tolerate temperatures down to -20°F (-29°C), and colors vary from white, pink, light blue, and lavender. 

You’ll see globe gilia often in wildflower and pollinator blends. It’s a confirmed or likely host to five different important pollinators, including the Adela singulella, Heliothisphloxiphaga, Kodiosoma fulvum, Yermoia glaucina, and Schinia biundulata. 

Outside of the true species, no known cultivars are available, but there are subspecies across the United States. 

Common Problems

There are no known serious pests or diseases that threaten this wildflower if proper airflow and circulation are provided, they receive ample sunlight, and the soil is well-draining. Fungal disease and root rot become a threat if the soil becomes soggy. 

Frequently Asked Questions