Clarkia unguiculata

Sunset

Zones A1-A3, 1-45, H1, H2

Full, Partial

Moderate

Clarkia, Mountain Garland
Onagraceae
Annuals

CLARKIA

Native to western South and North America; especially numerous in California. Plants grow during cool times of year, bloom in spring and early summer. Attractive in mixed borders or in mass displays. Cut branches keep for several days; cut when top bud opens (others open successively). Sow seed in place in fall (in mild-winter areas) or spring. Seedlings are difficult to transplant, but volunteer seedlings grow well. Best in sandy soil without added fertilizer. Keep soil moist from seeding to flowering.

Clarkia unguiculata

California native. Erect, 1 to 4 ft. tall. Reddish stems, 1 to 1 3/4 -in.-long leaves, 1-in. flowers in rose, purple, white. Some varieties have double flowers in white, orange, salmon, crimson, purple, rose, pink, or creamy yellow. Double-flowered kinds are the ones usually sold in seed packets.