Clarkia purpurea

Common Names

Purple Clarkia, Winecup Clarkia, Purple Godetia, Winecup Fairyfan, Four Spotted Purple Clarkia

Summary

Purple Clarkia, also called Winecup Clarkia, is an annual wildflower native to western North America. It has slender reddish stems and linear to lance-shaped leaves, and bears bowl-shaped four-petaled flowers in pink, purple, or wine red, often with a pink or red center, that open in the daytime and close at night. It grows in open grassy habitats and thrives in full sun with well-drained soils, displaying drought-tolerant, low water needs.

It is propagated by seed and often self-seeds, easy to grow, with germination occurring at room temperature. It is hardy in USDA zones 2–10 and suitable for borders, containers, and wildflower seed mixes; it attracts native bees and butterflies and typically blooms April–July.

Lifecycle

Annual

Height

1-3 feet

Spread

6-20 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 2-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial sun or partial shade

Soil Type

Well-drained soil; pH 6.0–7.5.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

6.0-7.5

Bloom Color

Purple (including lavender, pink, and red variations)

Bloom Time

Spring and Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

3–5 months from seed to maturity

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds (self-sowing, reseeds easily)

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and songbirds