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Care of the plant Clarkia elegans or Elegant clarkia.

Care of the plant Clarkia elegans or Elegant clarkia

The genus Clarkia, family Onagraceae, includes about 40 species of herbaceous plants native to North America. Some species are: Clarkia elegans, Clarkia rhomboidea, Clarkia biloba, Clarkia amoena, Clarkia purpurea.

Common names: Elegant clarkia, Mountain garland. Scientific synonym: Clarkia unguiculata. This species is native to California.

Clarkia elegans is an annual herbaceous plant with thin stems that branch from the base and reach 1 metre (3.28 feet) in height. The leaves, light green in colour, are ovate-lanceolate. The abundant and attractive flowers can be salmon-coloured, pink, red or white and measure 3 cm (1.18") in diameter. It blooms in summer.

Elegant clarkia is used in rockeries, borders and flowerbeds, on dry and sunny slopes and in pots for terraces and patios. It is an ideal plant for Mediterranean coastal gardens.

Clarkia elegans grows in full sun (temperate climates) and semi-shade (Mediterranean climates) exposures. It resists light frosts but does not like too intense heat.

The soil can be normal garden soil with plenty of organic matter and a little coarse sand to improve drainage.

Water regularly in spring and summer, waiting for the substrate to dry. Clarkia unguiculata resists drought quite well.

Fertilize in spring every 30 days with mineral fertilizer.

Clarkia elegans does not need pruning.

Mountain garland is a plant that is quite resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excess humidity. It can sometimes be attacked by insects.

Elegant clarkia is propagated from seeds sown at the end of winter, after the danger of frost.

Images of the plant Clarkia elegans or Elegant clarkia

Clarkia elegans
Clarkia elegans