Clarkia gracilis is a species of wildflower known by the common name slender clarkia. This plant is native to the US states of California, Oregon, and Washington, where it is found in coastal, foothill, valley, and low-elevation mountain habitats. The plant is variable across subspecies but is generally an erect slender stem with a few sparse, narrow leaves several centimeters long. It bears an inflorescence of drooping buds which open into bowl-shaped flowers with pinkish lavender petals 1 to 4 centimeters long and bearing a red or white splotch which can appear in the center or at the base of the petal, depending on the subspecies. Subspecies: C. g. ssp. albicaulis - (white-stemmed clarkia) - an uncommon subspecies known only from Butte County, California C. g. ssp. gracilis - a more common subspecies C. g. ssp. sonomensis - (Sonoma clarkia) - found in northern California and southern Oregon C. g. ssp. tracyi - (Tracy's clarkia) - limited to the inland Northern Coast Ranges of California
Slender clarkia is fairly resistant to disease and is generally unlikely to suffer from illnesses. Nevertheless, it can be vulnerable to pests and pathogens present in its surroundings. Such infections are typically mild. Regarding care, this plant needs a moderate level of maintenance. Regular pruning is necessary to keep it looking good and to support healthy growth. Applying fertilizer can also encourage flowering. Slender clarkia is suitable for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or patio, and does not demand extensive gardening experience. It may need more attention when grown indoors.
How to keep Clarkia Gracilis.
Light
Slender clarkia comes from bright, open habitats and thrives in full sun. It can tolerate partial shade but favors direct sunlight for best growth. This plant, which may be annual or biennial, is noted for its sun-loving habit.
Temperature
Slender clarkia can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, though its distribution may still be restricted by different combinations of moisture and heat. It does best in warm summer conditions with adequate rainfall or irrigation. Extended periods of cloudy, rainy weather or prolonged high temperatures increase the likelihood that Slender clarkia will die. In winter, protecting the plant from cold can improve its chances of survival.
Fertilizer
When most of the blooms on Slender clarkia have opened to full size, resume fertilizing. Begin fertilizing again around the time the flowers are at peak production, applying fertilizer once every three to four weeks as the weather allows. After Slender clarkia starts producing fewer new blooms, stop fertilizing; there's no need to fertilize when the plant can no longer produce additional blooms.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Annual
- Genus
- Clarkia
- Family
- Onagraceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 7-10
- Mature Height
- 15 cm to 46 cm
- Mature Spread
- 20 cm to 30 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Pink, Lavender
- Flower Size
- 2.03 cm to 4.06 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Summer
Other names.
