Photo of Clarkia purpurea flower by The Watershed Nursery

Photo by The Watershed Nursery

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Clarkia purpurea

Also Known As

  • Winecup Clarkia

Plant type

annual / biennial

size

  • H: 12"-18"
  • W: 6"-12"

planting zones

  • 1-12

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Clarkia purpurea plant details

Clarkia purpurea is a broadleaf deciduous annual / biennial with green foliage. In spring and summer magenta and purple flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - occasional water. Does well in average and clay soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Clarkia purpurea

Plant type: annual / biennial
Plant family: onagraceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 6 IN - 12 IN - wide, 12 IN - 18 IN - tall
Flowers: magenta and purple blooms in spring and summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Clarkia purpurea

USDA Zones: 1 - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Soil needs: average and clay

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Winecup clarkia is a California native annual wildflower found in various habitats, but usually in open grassy places, thus it adapts well to sunny garden situations or pots. A rare nursery find and a seriously threatened species, this plant erects a thin reddish stem which may approach a meter in height with a few lance-shaped leaves. The plant itself gets to 18? tall (depending on soil fertility) & has an upright habit. It's real selling point are its tiny, stunningly shiny, deep purple flowers! Like most other clarkias it is very easy to grow, snail proof, blooms Spring thru early Summer, & lasts for weeks as a cut flower..AND it reseeds! Planted early in the ground it will not need to be watered, but planted late or in pots, it will need additional water to thrive. Native to California and is also found outside of California, but is confined to western North America. Special value to native bees. Indigenous Californians sowed Clarkia species and harvested the seeds to grind for food. Found in open grassy places, coastal, slopes. Communitites located in Valley Grassland, Coastal Strand, Northern Coastal Scrub, Chaparral, Foothill Woodland, Yellow Pine Forest, Mixed Evergreen Fores Between 0 and 6000 feet.

Gardening facts about Clarkia purpurea plant

How to Grow Clarkia purpurea

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - occasional
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • average

Features

  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
  • Flower Color

    • purple
    • magenta
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

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