Overview

Clarkia speciosa is a columnar upright annual biennial in the genus Clarkia, part of the Onagraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Clarkia speciosa grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, wildflower meadow, wildlife gardens, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.

About

Clarkia speciosa is a species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family known by the common name redspot clarkia. It is endemic to California, where it is known from the Central Coast and mountains and from the Sierra Nevada foothills.

About the genus

Clarkia is a genus within the flowering plant family Onagraceae. Over 40 species are currently classified in Clarkia; almost all are native to western North America, though one species is native to South America.

Wikipedia contributors, "Clarkia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Clarkia

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Clarkia

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing, East-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H6

Plant details

Clarkia speciosa size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Annual Biennial

Habit

Columnar upright

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Clarkia speciosa

Propagation

Seed sown in-situ in early spring or autumn

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to foot, root and stem rot and downy mildews

Frequently asked questions