Clarkia unguiculata

Common Names

Elegant Clarkia, Mountain Garland, Elegant Fairyfan

Summary

Elegant Clarkia is a native California annual with upright, multi-branched stems bearing tall, spire-like clusters of four-petaled flowers. Flowers appear in pink to purple shades, with white varieties, and plants reach about 18–36 inches tall (45–90 cm); the plant has lance-shaped leaves and a graceful, heritage-like appearance that suits cut flowers and wildflower displays, blooming from late spring to early summer and attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, tolerating poorer to moderately fertile conditions and is drought-tolerant. Propagation is by seed; direct sow in spring, and it is easy to grow with low maintenance and reseeds readily. Uses include cut flowers, borders, wildflower and pollinator gardens, with blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Lifecycle

Annual

Height

1-3 feet

Spread

6-12 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial sun or partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-draining loamy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.5-8.0, slightly acidic to mildly alkaline soils

Bloom Color

Pink, purple, and white

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, butterflies, other pollinators, birds