Aliciella subacaulis Plant Care
Aliciella subacaulis (Rydb.) J.M.Porter & L.A.Johnson
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Aliciella subacaulis is a species of flowering plant in the phlox family known by the common name pinyon gilia. It is native to the western United States from California to Wyoming, where it grows in several types of habitat, such as sagebrush and desert woodlands.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
30–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Aliciella subacaulis?
Plant Aliciella subacaulis in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Aliciella subacaulis Native To?
What Is the Aliciella subacaulis?
Aliciella subacaulis (Aliciella subacaulis) belongs to the Polemoniaceae family within the Aliciella genus. Aliciella subacaulis is native to the western United States from California to Wyoming.
Aliciella subacaulis displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Aliciella subacaulis produces small, tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Aliciella subacaulis?
Water a young or newly planted Aliciella subacaulis every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Aliciella subacaulis Need?
Aliciella subacaulis thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Aliciella subacaulis Prefer?
Aliciella subacaulis tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Aliciella subacaulis prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
30–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Aliciella subacaulis?
Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Aliciella subacaulis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Aliciella subacaulis?
Feed Aliciella subacaulis every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Aliciella subacaulis?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Aliciella subacaulis is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Aliciella subacaulis?
Aliciella subacaulis can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Aliciella subacaulis?
Prune Aliciella subacaulis while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Aliciella subacaulis in Winter?
Aliciella subacaulis is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Aliciella subacaulis?
Aliciella subacaulis can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to aliciella caespitosa plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Aliciella subacaulis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Aliciella subacaulis, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Aliciella subacaulis?
Aliciella subacaulis is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Aliciella subacaulis Need?
Aliciella subacaulis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Aliciella subacaulis is native to the western United States from California to Wyoming. In cooler regions, grow Aliciella subacaulis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Aliciella subacaulis is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Aliciella genus — compare its care with other Aliciella species on PlantoScan.
Aliciella is part of the Polemoniaceae plant family — browse all Polemoniaceae genera and species.
Aliciella subacaulis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Aliciella Species
Other Aliciella species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aliciella subacaulis (Rydb.) J.M.Porter & L.A.Johnson, family Polemoniaceae (first published in Aliso 19: 70 (2000)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Aliciella subacaulis, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
