Contents
Description
Clarkia Dudleyana is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Onagraceae family. It is also known as Dudley’s clarkia, and it is native to California. This annual plant has a slender stem that can grow up to 3 feet tall. Clarkia Dudleyana produces stunning pink or purple flowers with yellow centers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The plant’s foliage is narrow and green, and it can grow up to 6 inches long. Clarkia Dudleyana is commonly used in rock gardens, borders, and containers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Onagraceae |
| Genus | Clarkia |
Appearance
Clarkia Dudleyana has a slender stem that can grow up to 3 feet tall. Its foliage is narrow and green, and it can grow up to 6 inches long. The plant produces stunning pink or purple flowers with yellow centers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers can grow up to 2 inches in diameter and have four petals. Clarkia Dudleyana’s blooms are delicate and papery, and they have a unique texture and shape.
Care Guide
Clarkia Dudleyana requires moderate care, and it is relatively easy to grow. Here are some tips to help you take care of this beautiful plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Clarkia Dudleyana thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0-7.5).
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive.
- Hardiness Zones: Clarkia Dudleyana grows well in hardiness zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Clarkia Dudleyana is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can still fall prey to some of them. Here are some of the common pests and diseases that affect this plant:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can infest the plant and suck the sap from its leaves and stems. They can be controlled using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. They can be controlled using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems. It can be controlled using a fungicide spray.
Habitat
Clarkia Dudleyana is native to California and can be found in a variety of habitats, including coastal scrub, chaparral, and grasslands. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of temperatures and humidity levels.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Clarkia Dudleyana a perennial plant?
A: No, Clarkia Dudleyana is an annual plant.
Q: How often should I water Clarkia Dudleyana?
A: Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Q: Can I grow Clarkia Dudleyana in a container?
A: Yes, Clarkia Dudleyana can be grown in a container as long as the pot has drainage holes and the soil is well-draining.
Q: When is the best time to plant Clarkia Dudleyana?
A: The best time to plant Clarkia Dudleyana is in the spring after the last frost.
Related Plants
- Clarkia Amoena
- Clarkia Bicolor
- Clarkia Bottae
- Clarkia Unguiculata
References
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/clarkia-dudleyana-dudleys-clarkia
- https://www.highcountrygardens.com/perennial-plants/clarkia/clarkia-dudleyana
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CLDU
