Plant profile

Clarkias

Genus Clarkia

Clarkias are cheerful, easy-to-grow wildflowers in the genus Clarkia, known for silky, colorful blooms that can brighten beds, borders, and containers while offering nectar and pollen for visiting insects.

Plant Type

Wildflowers (annuals/biennials) > Clarkias

Aliases

Clarkia

Native Range

Western North America (varies by species)

Bloom window

Spring through summer (varies by species and planting time)

Overview Summary Impact Recognition Location Requirements Glossary Get Involved

OVERVIEW

About This Plant

Why people like clarkias

Clarkias are a friendly entry point into wildflowers: they’re colorful, quick to bloom, and easy to fit into small spaces. A short row along a fence, a corner of a school garden, or a single pot can turn into a bright patch that gets regular insect visits.

How to grow clarkias (simple version)

Sun: Give them as much sun as you can.
Soil: Aim for well-drained soil.
Water: Keep soil lightly moist for germination, then water when the surface dries.
Space: Thin seedlings so plants don’t compete.

Container tips

If you’re planting in a pot:

Choose a container with drainage holes.
Use a basic potting mix (not heavy garden soil).
Water when the top of the mix feels dry, and don’t let the pot sit in a tray of water.

Keeping blooms going

You can either:

Deadhead to encourage more flowers, or
Leave some blooms to form seed if you’d like clarkias to return on their own.

A gentle reminder about pesticides

If you’re growing clarkias for pollinators, skip broad sprays. Most small pest issues can be handled with spacing, hand removal, or a quick rinse of water—especially on young plants.

Best role for pollinators

Quick seasonal color, easy wildflower patches, and pollinator-friendly containers

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FAST FACTS

Quick Details

Essential stats and requirements for quick reference.

Category	Details
Also known as	Clarkia
Bloom window	Spring through summer (varies by species and planting time)
Typical height	Low to medium (varies by species and variety)
Pollinators supported	Bees, Butterflies, Flies
Light & moisture	Sun to part sun; best in well-drained soil with moderate moisture
Best roles for pollinators	Quick seasonal color, easy wildflower patches, and pollinator-friendly containers

SUMMARY

If You Remember Three Things

A quick scan of what they do, what they need, and the best first step.

What they do

Clarkias add fast, colorful blooms that can support a variety of flower visitors in gardens and containers.

What they need

Light, well-drained soil, plenty of sun, and gentle watering while seedlings establish.

One best action

Direct-sow seeds where you want them, press them in lightly, and keep the surface evenly moist until sprouts appear.

IMPACT

Why Plant This?

Clarkias are an approachable way to add pollinator-friendly flowers to a yard, school garden, or balcony. Because they’re annual wildflowers, they can be planted in small spaces and still make a big visual impact.

Many clarkias have a delicate, satiny look that makes even a small planting feel special.

Key Impacts

What it Supports

A small patch can create a noticeable burst of blooms in a short time.
Flowers can help make gardens more welcoming to a mix of pollinators.
Annual wildflowers are a simple way to try pollinator-friendly planting without a long-term commitment.

RECOGNITION

Identification Guide

Look for airy stems topped with bright, satiny flowers in pinks, purples, reds, or whites (colors vary by species and variety).

Leaves

Narrow to lance-shaped leaves along slender stems; overall look is light and airy.

Flowers

Showy, satiny blooms in bright colors; often with distinct petal shapes or markings depending on species/variety.

Fruits

After flowering, forms small seed capsules that dry and release seed when mature.

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LOCATION

Where It Grows

Native environments and the best spots to place it in your landscape.

Habitats

Open, sunny areas
Meadows and grassland edges
Roadsides and disturbed ground (in native regions)

Where it is often used

Wildflower patch or mini-meadow edge
Sunny border filler
Containers and patio pots
School garden pollinator strip
Cut flowers for small bouquets (leave plenty for pollinators)

SEASONALITY

When It Blooms

Notes on bloom windows and how this plant helps pollinators across the seasons.

Bloom window

Clarkias are typically a spring-to-summer bloomer, with timing depending on when you sow and local conditions.

Bloom Season Role: Fills in with bright, mid-season color and frequent flower visits

Seasonal benefits

Adds a strong block of color quickly
Can extend bloom if you sow in small batches
Pairs well with other easy annuals for a longer flowering season

REQUIREMENTS

What It Needs

The right mix of sun, soil, and space for healthy growth.

Sun exposure

Best in full sun; part sun can work, especially in hot spots where afternoon shade helps.

Soil type

Well-drained soil is key. Average garden soil is usually fine; avoid heavy, constantly wet areas.

Moisture needs

Water gently after sowing and during early growth. Once established, water when the top layer of soil dries out; avoid keeping soil constantly wet.

Planting method

Direct-sow seeds where you want them. Press seeds into the soil surface or cover very lightly, then keep the surface evenly moist until seedlings are up. Thin seedlings so plants have room to branch and bloom.

Mulching tips

Use a light mulch only after seedlings are established; heavy mulch can smother tiny sprouts.

GARDENING GUIDE

How to Grow It

Simple steps to plant, prune, and maintain healthy trees without pesticides.

Planting tips

Choose a sunny spot or a container with drainage holes.
Loosen the top layer of soil and remove weeds.
Scatter seeds thinly and press them into the soil; cover very lightly if needed.
Mist or water gently so seeds don’t wash away.
Keep the surface evenly moist until seedlings appear.

Seasonal care

Weed lightly while plants are small so they aren’t outcompeted.
Water at the base when dry; avoid soaking the soil for long periods.
Deadhead (snip spent flowers) to encourage more blooms, or leave some to form seed.
Stake only if plants get floppy in wind or shade.
At season’s end, let a few seed capsules dry if you want natural reseeding; otherwise, pull plants and compost (if seed spread isn’t desired).

What not to do

Burying seeds too deep
Planting in soil that stays wet
Crowding seedlings
Using pesticides “just in case”

Pairings

Best Pairings for Season-Long Bloom

Pairing ideas to keep pollinators fed throughout the growing season.

Early Bloom

California poppy
Baby blue eyes
Sweet alyssum

Mid-Season Bloom

Cosmos
Zinnias
Sunflowers (smaller types)

Late-Season Bloom

Asters (garden varieties)
Goldenrod (garden-friendly types)
Late-blooming salvias

Names on seed packets can vary—some mixes use “clarkia” broadly. Focus on giving the plants sun, drainage, and a little space, and they’ll usually perform well.

GLOSSARY