Overview
Clarkia amoena is an upright annual growing 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall, with slender, often branched, reddish stems. The lance-shaped leaves are 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long and arranged alternately. From late spring into summer the plant opens cup-shaped flowers 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) across, each with four fan-shaped petals of pink to lavender, many marked by a red or crimson blotch toward the base. The flowers open from the lower stem upward and have satiny-textured petals and a cross-shaped white stigma. Clarkia amoena is native to coastal western North America and blooms as spring wildflowers fade, the source of the common name farewell-to-spring. It grows from seed each year in full sun and dry, well-drained soil, and self-sows where conditions suit it. Plants flower 60 to 90 days after spring sowing and decline once summer heat sets in. The species is sensitive to overly rich soil and excess water, which produce leafy growth in place of flowers.
Native Range
Clarkia amoena is native to coastal western North America, from British Columbia south through Washington, Oregon, and California. It grows on coastal bluffs, open slopes, and grassland edges.Suggested Uses
Clarkia amoena is used in annual borders, wildflower meadows, cottage gardens, and containers, spaced 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart. It is grown as a cut flower, with stems lasting several days in water. The species suits dry, sunny banks where summer water is limited.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread8" - 1'
Bloom Information
Flowers open from June to August, after most spring wildflowers have faded. Each plant blooms for 4 to 6 weeks, opening new flowers up the stem. Bloom shortens in hot, dry summers and lengthens where the soil holds some moisture.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink to lavender, often with a red blotchFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Clarkia amoena grows in full sun and dry to medium, well-drained soil of low to moderate fertility. Seed is sown in autumn in mild-winter areas or early spring elsewhere, directly where plants are to grow, since the taproot does not transplant well. Water is given sparingly once seedlings establish, as excess water and rich soil reduce flowering. Plants need no fertilizer and self-sow from dropped seed. Thinning seedlings to 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart gives room for branching. Tall plants in exposed sites may lean and are often grown among neighbors for support.Pruning
Spent flowers are removed to extend bloom and limit self-seeding, though deadheading is not required. Plants are pulled at the end of the season once seed has set. No structural pruning is needed for this annual.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons
✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
Autumn in mild-winter climates or early spring after frost
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Plant Spacing
10 inches
Companion Planting
Good Companions