
(Clarkia pulchella)

Pinkfairies, Godetia, Farewell-to-spring, Mariposa
Clarkia pulchella is an annual flowering plant species that belongs to the Onagraceae family. It is native to California and is commonly known as 'Elegant Clarkia'. The plant has slender and erect stems with alternate leaves that are lance-shaped and can grow up to 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall. The flowers are cup-shaped and come in shades of pink, purple, and red with four petals that are deeply lobed.
1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall
Clarkia pulchella prefers full sun to partial shade, meaning it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Clarkia pulchella prefers moderate humidity levels, but it can tolerate dry air.
The plant requires a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Deadheading spent flowers will promote further blooming. Prune the plant back to about half its height after flowering to encourage bushier growth.
Clarkia pulchella is not typically affected by pests or diseases, but it can be susceptible to powdery mildew if grown in humid conditions.
Not suitable for indoor cultivation
It requires moderate watering, with the soil being kept moist but not waterlogged. It is important not to let the soil dry out completely as this can cause the plant to wilt and die.
It prefers moderate temperatures, between 60-75°F (15-24°C).
It is a cool-season annual that blooms in the spring and early summer.
Clarkia pulchella is relatively easy to grow and care for, making it a good choice for beginner gardeners.
Clarkia pulchella is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
The genus name 'Clarkia' was given in honor of Captain William Clark, who was part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition that explored western North America in the early 1800s.