Annuals & Biennials

Clarkia
clarkia

Height 1-3 ft (30-90 cm)
Planting distance 1 ft (30 cm)
Flowers midsummer to early fall
Light, loamy soil
Sunny site
Hardy annual

The tall spikes of clarkias provide a valuable contrast to the rounded blooms of most other annuals. They come in a range of colors - white, pink, salmon, orange, scarlet, purple, and lavender - available as single colors or in mixtures. Blooming from midsummer to early fall, the slender plants are popular for borders, though they can also be grown as pot plants and for cutting.

Popular species and cultivars
Clarkia amoena (formerly listed as Godetia) bears loose spikes of lilac or pink to red funnel-shaped flowers. The plants reach 2 ft (60 cm) high. Clarkia pulchella bears spikes of semidouble lavender flowers that form dainty sprays from midsummer to early fall. It reaches 12-15 in (30-38 cm) high. Mixed seed selections are available. Clarkia unguiculata is one of the most popular clarkias, bearing 9-12 in (23-30 cm) long spikes of double flowers on erect and branching plants from midsummer to early fall. The plants reach 2 ft (60 cm) high. Several cultivars have been developed from this species, including 'Apple Blossom' (3 ft/90 cm, double, soft pink touched with white), 'Love Affair' (double, red, pink, purple, and white), 'Orange Queen' (double, orange) and 'Royal Bouquet' (double, carnationlike flowers in mixed colors).

Annuals
and
Biennials