Clarkia Bottae

Description

Clarkia Bottae, commonly known as Farewell to Spring or Mountain Garland, is a beautiful wildflower native to California. This annual plant is a member of the Onagraceae family and is characterized by its stunning pink or purple flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. The flowers are cup-shaped and have four petals that are arranged in a cross shape.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Clarkia Bottae typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet and has a spread of 6-12 inches. The leaves are lance-shaped and can be up to 4 inches long. The flowers are the main attraction of this plant and can be pink, purple, or sometimes white. They usually have a darker spot at the base of each petal and are about an inch in diameter.

Care Guide

Clarkia Bottae is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this beautiful wildflower:

Water: Water your Clarkia Bottae regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

Fertilization: Fertilize your Clarkia Bottae with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.

Soil: Clarkia Bottae prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate some acidity but prefers a slightly alkaline soil pH.

Sunlight: Clarkia Bottae prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy and produce fewer flowers.

Hardiness Zones: Clarkia Bottae is hardy in USDA zones 5-10.

Common Pests & Diseases

Clarkia Bottae is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can still be affected by some common garden pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common:

Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Slugs and Snails: These pests can eat holes in the leaves and flowers of the plant. They can be controlled with slug bait or by hand-picking them off the plant.

Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can be controlled with a fungicide or by removing infected plant parts.

Habitat

Clarkia Bottae is native to California and can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, grasslands, and meadows. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate some drought once established.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Clarkia Bottae be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Clarkia Bottae can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots and provide good drainage.

Q: Can Clarkia Bottae be grown from seed?

A: Yes, Clarkia Bottae can be grown from seed. Sow the seeds in the spring or fall in a well-prepared seedbed or directly in the garden.

Q: How often should I fertilize my Clarkia Bottae?

A: Fertilize your Clarkia Bottae once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Q: How long do the flowers of Clarkia Bottae last?

A: The flowers of Clarkia Bottae usually last for a few weeks in late spring or early summer.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to Clarkia Bottae:

• Clarkia Unguiculata
• Clarkia Amoena
• Clarkia Pulchella
• Clarkia Rhomboidea

References

Here are some references used in the creation of this article:

• “Clarkia Bottae.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=z940.
• “Clarkia Bottae.” UC Master Gardeners of Napa County, 11 May 2019, napamg.ucanr.edu/Plant_of_the_Month/Clarkia_Bottae/.
• “Clarkia Bottae.” Wildflowers of the Santa Monica Mountains, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, www.nps.gov/samo/learn/nature/clarkia_bottae.htm.