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Description
Clarkia Gracilis, also known as Farewell-to-Spring, is a flowering annual plant native to California. It belongs to the Onagraceae family and is characterized by its delicate pink flowers with four petals and a yellow center. Clarkia Gracilis blooms in late spring and early summer and can grow up to 2 feet tall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Onagraceae |
| Genus | Clarkia |
Appearance
Clarkia Gracilis has slender stems with lance-shaped leaves that are up to 6 inches long. The flowers are typically pink, although they can also be white or lavender, and they bloom in loose clusters at the top of the stem. Each flower has four petals that are slightly crinkled at the edges and a yellow center with prominent stamens. The plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide.
Care Guide
Clarkia Gracilis is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. When planting, choose a location with well-draining soil and full sun exposure. The plant prefers regular watering, but it can tolerate dry conditions once established. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Clarkia Gracilis is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Clarkia Gracilis is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it may occasionally be affected by aphids, spider mites, or powdery mildew. To prevent these issues, make sure the plant is well-watered and has adequate air circulation. If necessary, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests.
Habitat
Clarkia Gracilis is native to California and can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, chaparral, and oak woodlands. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Clarkia Gracilis an annual or perennial plant?
A: Clarkia Gracilis is an annual plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season.
Q: Can Clarkia Gracilis be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Clarkia Gracilis can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s size and have good drainage.
Q: How do I deadhead Clarkia Gracilis?
A: Deadhead Clarkia Gracilis by removing spent flowers and seed pods. This will encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
Q: When is the best time to plant Clarkia Gracilis?
A: The best time to plant Clarkia Gracilis is in the spring after the last frost.
Related Plants
- Clarkia Bottae
- Clarkia Pulchella
- Clarkia Amoena
- Clarkia Unguiculata
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/clarkia_gracilis.shtml
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/clarkia/growing-clarkia.htm
- https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Clarkia+gracilis
