Clarkia - Garden Basics - Flower - Annual
(Clarkia amoena)
Named
for the explorer Captain William Clark of the famous Lewis and
Clark expedition, the clarkias inhabit dry open slopes in the
forests of the Northwest, from California north to British Columbia.
It is a free bloomer in cooler climates, but does poorly in hot
areas. Plants grow 2 to 3 feet tall and bear an abundance of delicate
blossoms. The large satiny blossoms, 2 to 4 inches wide, are white,
pink, red or lilac. They bloom from early to midsummer and are
followed by tapering seed pods filled with many small brown seeds.
The species has been hybridized for garden use into double-blossomed
and dwarf forms. Clarkia makes an excellent cut flower.
Clarkia thrives in a Western Coniferous Woodland environment.
They need a light, sandy soil and do well in full sun or partial
shade. Seeds germinate best in cool weather. In the West, they
should be sown in the fall during the early part of the rainy
season; in the East, in the early spring as soon as the ground
can be worked. Since they don't transplant well, sow seeds where
plants are to remain. Thin seedlings to stand 9 inches apart.
When plants are about 6 inches high, pinch back the tops to
encourage branching. Water moderately, keeping the soil moist
but not soggy until they begin to flower; then water less frequently.
Expect flowers 90 days after sowing seeds.
- Type
annual -
Propagation
seeds -
Light
full sun or dappled shade -
Flower Color
shades of pink -
Bloom Time
early to midsummer -
Height
2-3 feet -
Width
9 inches -
Soil Requirements
well drained -
Zones
does best in cool climates -
Uses
border, cutflowers, rock gardens
