Clarkia Rostrata

Description

Clarkia Rostrata, also known as beaked clarkia, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Onagraceae family. It is a native to California and can be found growing in the coastal sage scrub and chaparral ecosystems. The plant has a slender stem that can grow up to 2 feet tall and produces delicate, pink flowers with four petals. It blooms from May to July and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Myrtales
Family	Onagraceae
Genus	Clarkia

Appearance

Clarkia Rostrata has a slender stem that can grow up to 2 feet tall. It produces delicate, pink flowers with four petals that are about 1 inch in diameter. The petals are slightly notched and have a white center. The leaves are lance-shaped and arranged alternately on the stem. They are up to 4 inches long and have a slightly rough texture. The plant blooms from May to July and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

Care Guide

• Water: Clarkia Rostrata prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
• Soil: Clarkia Rostrata prefers well-drained, sandy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
• Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
• Hardiness Zones: Clarkia Rostrata is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.

Common Pests & Diseases

Clarkia Rostrata is prone to powdery mildew, which can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant. It is also susceptible to spider mites, which can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Snails and slugs can also be a problem, but can be controlled by handpicking or using a bait.

Habitat

Clarkia Rostrata is native to California and can be found growing in the coastal sage scrub and chaparral ecosystems. It prefers well-drained, sandy soil and full sun to partial shade.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Clarkia Rostrata be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Clarkia Rostrata can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the plant receives adequate sunlight.Q: When is the best time to plant Clarkia Rostrata?
A: The best time to plant Clarkia Rostrata is in the fall, before the first frost.Q: How often should Clarkia Rostrata be fertilized?
A: Clarkia Rostrata should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Q: Can Clarkia Rostrata tolerate drought?
A: Clarkia Rostrata can tolerate some drought, but it prefers moderate watering during the growing season.

Related Plants

• Clarkia Unguiculata
• Clarkia Bottae
• Clarkia Pulchella
• Clarkia Amoena

References

• “Clarkia rostrata.” Calflora. Accessed 15 June 2021. https://www.calflora.org/app/taxon?crn=2315
• “Clarkia rostrata.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed 15 June 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CLRO3
• “Beaked Clarkia (Clarkia rostrata).” USDA Plants Database. Accessed 15 June 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CLRO3