Clarkia unguiculata 'Apple Blossom'

GARLAND FLOWER, FAREWELL-TO-SPRING, MOUNTAIN GARLAND, ELEGANT CLARKIA
syn. C. elegans
Family: Onagraceae
Pronounced: KLAR-kee-uh   un-gwee-kew-LAH-tuh

 

Quick Jumps

Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes

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GROWING GUIDE

Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Annuals.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: A2, A3, 1-24.
Heat zones: 9-1.
Mature size:
Height: 12-36 inches (30-90 cm).
Width: 8-12 inches (20-30 cm).
Flowering period:
Summer.
Flowering attributes:
Spikes of double, pale pink blossoms bloom in the leaf axils.
Leaf attributes:
Lance-shaped, elliptic leaves.
Growth habit:
Upright.
Light:
Full sun.
Soil:
Well-drained soil.
Feeding:
Fertilize sparingly with a complete organic fertilizer.
Propagation Methods:
Sow seeds in pots and grow in greenhouse at 70°F (21°C) results in germination in 10 days. Do not cover seed as they need light to germinate. Sow in situ in early spring. Stagger sowings to extend the growing season.
Pests and Diseases:
Aphids and rust may be a problem.
Pruning Methods:
Pinch plants to encourage more branching stems for flowers. Dead head spent blossoms to encourage more blooming.

 

Rainy Side Notes

Excellent cottage garden plants, Clarkia unguiculatas are considered great performers in the garden. The species is a native to our cool nights and mild summer days where it thrives. We struggle to grow decent-looking, heat-loving annuals, especially along our coastlines, where this plant shines!

The British loved Clarkias and they bred some exquisite color lines. They were introducing them up until the 1920s after which the expense of growing consistent color made the seed companies take to selling mixes. However, C. ‘Apple Blossom’ appeared in catalogs during that time.

You can sow the seed right into the garden in Mid-March, and stagger plantings after the initial sowing to extend the season. Weave these in amongst later blooming perennials. Fertilize sparingly; too much fertilizer can mean long, lanky growth with weak stems for the flowers. Grow them lean and you will have stockier stems that can hold the weight of the blossoms. If you find the stems tend to be too leggy, plant closer together the next time and use twiggy sticks for them to lean on.

If you start your seeds in pots, you can set them out in a cold frame or greenhouse to grow them in cooler conditions until they are set into the garden. Plant the seedlings out before the roots are crowded in the pot. They resent transplanting, so plant them carefully with as little root disturbance as possible.

For the cutting garden—for dried or fresh flowers—the frilly, crepe—like blossoms are superb. The flowers last 5-10 days, sometimes up to 2 weeks as buds open up further along the stems. Cut your flowering spikes when the first two flowers open. A vase filled with just this flower looks very elegant!

Debbie Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.