The Story
Plant Bio
Mohavea flexuosa, the ghost flower, is a desert annual native to the American Southwest. It has hairy, lance-shaped leaves and produces delicate, pale yellow or white flowers with maroon speckles in the throat. It is known for its specialized pollination relationship with a single bee species.
Its most remarkable trait is its method of pollination, where it mimics the flower of another desert plant, Mentzelia involucrata, to attract its sole pollinator, the specialist bee Xeralictus mohavensis.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Annual
Height
10 inches
Width
8 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
Dry
Lifespan
Annual
Native To
Southwestern US
Toxicity
Information not available
Bloom period
Spring – Late summer
In flower about 5 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity during rooting.
- Provide full sun to ensure healthy growth.
- Water sparingly once established, avoiding waterlogged soil.
- Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced liquid feed.
- Divide mature plants in early spring or fall for propagation.
Pro Tip
Use well-draining sandy soil and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water moderately during dry spells 🌱
- Prune dead or damaged stems in early spring
- Apply balanced fertilizer in spring
Don't
- Overwater, leading to root rot ❌
- Allow soil to become waterlogged ❌
- Neglect pruning to maintain shape ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Propagate |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Ghost Flower questions
What zones can Ghost Flower grow in?
Ghost Flower is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Ghost Flower deer resistant?
Yes — Ghost Flower is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Ghost Flower bloom?
Ghost Flower typically blooms in spring through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Ghost Flower need full sun?
Ghost Flower does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Ghost Flower drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Ghost Flower handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Ghost Flower with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.