Clarkia graceful: grown from seed. Growing Clarkia graceful and caring for it at home and outdoors Clarkia pubescent

Clarkia is a genus of annual plants that delight gardeners with their lush and abundant flowering all summer. The culture got its name in honor of Captain William Clarke, who in the 19th century brought plants from the California coast to the countries of the Old World.

Today there are over 30 varieties of culture.

Description

In its natural environment, clarkia is found in the northern part of the American continent, as well as in Chile. The culture is an annual plant, which, depending on the variety, can be medium or tall - its length varies from 35 to 90 cm. Stems are erect, highly branched, abundantly pubescent with short but dense fibers. Leaf blades are bright green in color, may have a bluish bloom. The shape is elongated, oval, the arrangement of the leaves is alternate. The flowers are axillary, they can be simple or double, the diameter reaches 3 cm, the color can be very diverse. They usually gather in spike-shaped or racemose inflorescences, a single arrangement is rare. The petals can be whole or three-lobed, the calyx is usually tubular. The fruit is an elongated polyseed box.

How is it different from godetia?

Clarkia is very similar to godetia, the resemblance is so strong that some botanists even for a long time considered these crops to be a variety of the same plant. However, these are different cultures.

Claricia has small flowers, similar to miniature roses, as if strung on stems-twigs.In godetia, the flowers are rather large, elegant, satin - the size of each is 6-8 cm, they are double or simple. Both cultures can have a wide variety of shades: white, pink, as well as scarlet, purple, lilac and bluish.

The height of the bush also differs.Clarkia grows up to 30–90 cm, while the length of the godetia stem does not exceed 30–40 cm.

Despite the differences, gardeners often plant these plants together. They argue that cultures complement each other harmoniously in a flower bed.

Types and varieties

Today there are about 35 varieties of clarkia, but only four varieties are of interest to breeders - they became the basis for obtaining a large number of decorative garden forms.

Terry

The height of this annual bush reaches 36 cm. Branched stems, elongated leaves, dark green. Terry flowers, the diameter is 3-4.5 cm, can have a wide variety of shades: from pure white to deep carmine.

Fantasy

Another beautiful plant that is distinguished by its lush color. The height of the stems is up to 75 cm, the flowers are axillary, in most cases double, can have a wide variety of colors. This variety is widely used to decorate the club, looks beautiful as part of group and single plantings, is often used for cutting.

Pretty

Among gardeners, it is better known as omitted. This is a low-growing variety that grows only up to 40 cm. The leaf blades are elongated, narrow, solid, pointed at the end. The flowers are small - up to 3 cm in size, they can be double or simple.Their distinctive feature is the division of the petals into 3 lobes. The tint palette is very diverse. Flowers are formed one at a time or in small groups in the axils of the leaf plates. Clarkia pretty usually dismisses before the rest of her "sisters" for a couple of weeks.

Due to the original shape of the petals in the United States, this variety is often referred to as "elk antlers".It was he who became the basis for breeding the Ariana variety, which is in great demand among flower growers. A feature of the variety is the two-color flowers of white and purple shades, the height of the bush is 40-50 cm.

Graceful

The middle name is "marigold", in natural environment found in California. The height of the bush is 50–90 cm, the stems are quite strong, branching, woody near the base, but at the same time thin. The leaves are dark green, have a characteristic bluish tint, the shape is slightly elongated, the edge is sparsely toothed.The characteristic reddish veins are visible on the leaf blades. Clarkia flowers of this species are small -3–3.5 cm, gather in cluster-like inflorescences. The tint palette is rich: there are bright scarlet, milky white and pale pink varieties. The first flowers appear in mid-June and delight their owners until October.

Clarkia graceful has become a "parent culture" for breeding several popular varieties:

"Albatross"- it is a bush 6-7 cm high with snow-white velvety flowers;
Salmon perfection- tall plant 90–100 cm long, double flowers, pale pink;
"Sun"- a variety growing up to 65–70 cm, salmon flowers, growing in the axils of the leaf plates one by one;
Orange - medium-sized bush 55–65 cm long, flowers of deep orange color.

Clarkia of the "Radost" variety is very popular among domestic gardeners.Its erect, branched stems grow up to 50-60 cm. The diameter of the flowers is 3-4 cm. Flowering begins in June, the plant is covered with flowers abundantly from bottom to top. The tint palette can be very diverse: from rich pink to crimson shades.

The variety "Brilliant" enjoys no less love, it is a branchy lush bush 65–80 cm high. It blooms very profusely and for a long time - from the first days of July to the end of September. The flowers are velvety, the colors are red-pink.

Growing from seeds

Optimal timing

In spring, sowing is best done in the first half of May, in which case the first flowering can be expected already in mid-July, and it will last until the end of September.

Autumn planting is allowed, while the seedlings are placed in open ground at the end of September. As a rule, by the time the frost begins, the sprouts have time to get stronger and in this state they can already overwinter under cover. With autumn planting, flowering can be achieved much earlier - already in early June.

Sowing

Traditionally, Clarkia is grown by seed, it can be seedless or seedling. In the first case, the seeds are planted directly into the ground. Before sowing seeds, it is very important to prepare the site: it is best to add peat in advance in a proportion of 1 kg / sq. m., as well as 1 tbsp. l. superphosphate and potassium sulfate (in the same area). Prepare the nutrient substrate at least a couple of weeks before planting.

Seeds are placed in holes, 4-5 pieces each, the distance between the holes is kept at the level of 30-40 cm.

It is not necessary to deepen the seedlings too much - it will be quite enough to press them to the ground and send them a little with earth.

The first shoots appear after a couple of weeks, during this period they can be dived, but you should not get carried away with planting, since blooming clarkia in a thickened planting will look much more spectacular.

Seeds can be planted in the fall, seedlings are perfectly preserved under the layer of snow, but even if the seedlings do not have time to germinate before the frost begins, there is nothing dangerous in this, in early spring, as soon as the snow melts, they will rise together, and you will only have to thin out the plantings slightly.

Seedling care

When growing clarkia in seedlings, at the very first stage of its life cycle, the plant is protected from temperature fluctuations, recurrent frosts and cold showers. That is why most of the growers still prefer to grow seedlings first, rather than plant seeds directly in the ground. Usually, these works begin in March, then you can achieve flowering in early June.

Clarke seeds are placed in a slightly acidic substrate, slightly pressed down with a board, sprayed with water from a spray bottle, covered with a plastic bag or glass to create a greenhouse effect, and then placed in a bright, warm place, but keep in mind that direct UV rays should not penetrate there. As soon as the very first shoots appear, the greenhouse can be cleaned, but the container itself, before moving the seedlings to an open area, should be placed in a dry, heated place, always with high-quality ventilation.

When the first full-fledged leaves are formed in the seedlings, it should be dived.

Landing in open ground

It is very important to choose the right place for the culture - one that excludes drafts, otherwise the stems of the bush may break.

The flower develops best on fertile soil of medium to light density.Of course, this plant is very unpretentious and can grow on loam, but then flowering will be poor and short-lived.

For future seedlings, it is necessary to prepare an earthen mixture: take a universal substrate for seedlings and add rotted manure, clean river sand, and peat in equal quantities to it.

In order to reduce the risk of infection with fungal infections, the prepared soil can be calcined in a preheated oven or steamed in a water bath.

Clarkia is planted in open areas in May. If the soil is not suitable for the crop due to the pH mismatch, the substrate can be acidified.To do this, 60 g of sulfur / sq. m. or lightly watered with a solution of citric acid (at the rate of 1.5 tbsp. l. per bucket of water). If the soil, on the contrary, is too acidic, then before planting it must be limed. The greasy soil should be additionally mixed with sand.

Clarkia is planted in the following sequence: first, young seedlings are taken out of the container, but not one by one, but in small groups. They need to be taken together with a lump and planted in the holes, the voids are filled with the substrate prepared in advance.The distance between the holes is maintained at a level of 30-40 cm, a stick or a regular rail should be stuck near each plant - in the future, it will serve as a support for refined stems.

It is best to plant different varieties at a short distance from each other, then they can get dusty among themselves.

How to properly care for?

In order for clarkia to please you with its healthy and lush flowering for a long time, you must adhere to simple rules for caring for this plant.

Watering

In hot summer weather without heavy rainfall, clarke requires regular, moderate watering as the soil dries up - usually twice a week. However, keep in mind that in no case should you flood the plant, otherwise root decay will begin. For to prevent this unpleasant phenomenon, it is best to plant the crop in well-drained soil.

The wet substrate should be slightly loosened - this improves the flow of air to the roots.

If the weather is rainy and cool, then it is better to stop watering completely.

Water must be poured directly under the bush, preventing liquid from getting on the leaves and flowers, otherwise burns may appear on them under the rays of the sun.

Fertilizer

Fertilizers for clarke need to be applied twice a month, especially at the stages of budding and flowering. It is best to use ready-made mineral complex formulations that you can buy at any store.

This plant especially needs top dressing in dry, slightly rainy weather.In order to achieve more lush flowering, you can add a little crushed wood ash to the ground.

Pruning

In order for the flowering to be longer and more effective, all wilting inflorescences must be removed in a timely manner, otherwise the plant simply will not have the vitality left in order to give new peduncles.

The same goes for withering withered stems, shoots and twigs.

Seed collection

Clarkia has the ability to reproduce by self-seeding, therefore, even at the time of flowering, you need to choose 3-4 large flowers, after pollination, wilting and at the very beginning of the formation of the fruit, it should be "isolated". To do this, the fruit is wrapped with a clean bandage and fixed to the stem, but not too tightly. Thus, the seeds ripen, but the gauze prevents them from scattering - this eliminates the risk of self-seeding.

After the flower withers, the seed material ripens for about a month, the finished boxes look dark brown, they need to be collected and dried naturally, and then placed in paper envelopes or matchboxes for storage.

Wintering

Clarkia is characterized by high resistance to frost, however, during autumn planting, in order for the flower to be better preserved, it must be covered with mulch (you can use moss, fallen leaves, hay or coniferous needles).

In all other cases, you just need to cut off all parts of the bush in the fall and dig up the roots in order to prevent the development of fungal infections in the ground.

Diseases and pests

The crop is highly resistant to disease and insect pests, however, some care errors can cause fungal and viral infections, in particular if the crop is planted on loamy soil, which often leads to rust. Fungal infection manifests itself in the form of yellowish-brown spots with a well-defined edging on the leaves. In most cases, pathology becomes a consequence of an excess of moisture or excessive application of nitrogen-containing fertilizers. For resuscitation, it is best to use fungicidal preparations, for example, Bordeaux liquid gives a good effect, spraying is done twice a day.

Excessive moisture often provokes the appearance of downy mildew, in this case, dark or colorless rounded spots form on the back of the leaf, and the leaf blades themselves are deformed. Any fungicide is used to combat the fungus.

Clarkia graceful fully lives up to its name. A charming plant with flowers that from a distance resemble small roses. They, one by one, are strung on an erect stem and numerous shoots. Clarkia's ability to branch strongly forms a lush bush that will delight the eye before the onset of cold weather. It is thanks to its elegance, beauty and unpretentiousness that the flower has fallen in love with many gardeners and is successfully grown in their summer cottages, without requiring much attention and care.

The flower is native to Chile and North America. This is annual herbaceous plant with a stem height of 30 to 90 cm, however, by the end of the growing season, the main shoot becomes partially lignified. The leaves on the flower are arranged alternately and have a dark green color. The flowers are medium-sized (3-4 cm across), with a bright color palette.

The main requirement of clarkia for growing conditions is location in a sunny area. Otherwise, it is quite unpretentious: it easily tolerates spring frosts, is not demanding on the nutritional value of the soil. It grows better in slightly acidic soils.

Clarkia bloom will come 2 months after the sowing date and will last until frost. During the growing season, which takes about 5 months, the flowers have time to give full seeds. They can be harvested and used as seed for the next season.

For reference. Seeds collected from their site retain their varietal properties, which is of great importance for the gardener.

Types and varieties of clarkia with a photo

In nature, clarkia has about 30 species, but only three are used in garden culture.

Clarkia Breveri

The "youngest" species, which began to be grown in summer cottages relatively recently. The plant does not exceed 50 cm in height and has delicate pink flowers. Flowering occurs 2 weeks earlier than other species and is very similar to cherry blossoms.

Clarkia is pretty

A short bush with an erect stem, the height of which is only 30-40 cm. The flowers are located in the axils of the leaves either singly or in small groups and have a very original shape. They consist of four petals, each of which is strongly dissected into three parts, which resembles elk antlers. Therefore, among the people, the pretty clarke is called that way.

Clarkia graceful

The most common and demanded species in garden floriculture. It is also called marigold. Flowers of this species can be miniature, up to 30 cm high, or tall - up to 90 cm. Flowers are axillary, double or simple, colored in all shades of pink and red. There are varieties with white flowers.

"Diamond"

"Diamond" is a cold-resistant annual, up to 70 cm high. Clarks of this variety are covered with small, about 2 cm flowers. The flower is good in groups and beds, looks beautiful in bouquets. Removing the lower leaves will prolong the freshness of flowers in the water. The bright red color of the flower petals creates unique flower beds, which makes the suburban area fabulous and charming. Flowering begins in July and ends in September.

Clarkia "Ruby"

"Ruby"

A plant from 40 to 70 cm, with a double flower shape. The stem is erect, with a large number of lateral shoots. Flowering is abundant and lasts until the onset of cold weather. Looks great in group plantings and flower beds. Cutting is used to create tall bouquets. They can stand in water for up to 7 days.

"Mirinda"

"Mirinda" is a brightly blooming annual plant up to 60 cm high. Almost sessile flowers are very similar to miniature roses. The color of the double inflorescences is salmon-orange. Blooms from July to September. Looks great in flower beds for group plantings. It is used as a cutting plant for interior decoration.

"Sakura"

Sakura is a clarke with delicate flowers that bloom in July. Terry inflorescences of exquisite peach color, densely located on a high branched stem. Used for group compositions and to create tall, luxurious bouquets.

Clarkia cultivation methods

Clarkia, like most annuals, propagates by seed. They can be sown directly into open ground in early spring. The end of April or the beginning of May is the best fit for this work.

In the allotted area, shallow grooves are cut with row spacing of 20 cm. The seeds are mixed with fine sand and sowed. The seeds are lightly pressed against the soil and sprayed with a spray bottle. Watering from a watering can is not recommended, as the seeds may wash out. After the formation of two true leaves on the seedlings, thinning is carried out, leaving 15-20 cm between the shoots.However, you should not get carried away, since densely growing clarks create more effective compositions.

To protect against garden flea, the planting is covered with non-woven material. It will also serve as protection from hot sunlight.

Podzimny sowing is carried out with the onset of cold weather. The seeds should not sprout, but even if this happens, the seedlings will successfully overwinter under the snow and will continue to develop in the spring. Plants grown in this way are characterized by increased resistance to adverse conditions, and they will bloom in mid-July.

To bring the flowering time closer, many gardeners use the seedling method of growing clarkia.

In March or at the very beginning of April, seeds are sown in shallow containers with loose soil. Since the seed is very fine, almost dusty, it should not be buried.

The seeds are mixed with sand and scattered over the surface, then lightly pressed against the soil and sprayed with a spray bottle. Create the conditions of a mini-greenhouse by covering with a film. The container with crops should stand on a light windowsill without direct sunlight. It will take 10-14 days to wait for shoots.

Seedlings dive at a very early age, since clarke seedlings do not respond very well to transplantation. After the first two leaves appear, it is better to distribute the seedlings in separate pots. The best option is peat cups, which can be buried in the ground, and the roots will not receive the slightest injury. From plastic containers, the transplant is carried out by the transfer method together with a lump of earth.

Home-grown seedlings are planted on the site at the end of May. At this time, the period of return frosts usually ends.

For reference. When growing clarkia, remember that these are cross-pollinated plants. And if flowers of different varieties are planted nearby, then their seeds will lose their varietal qualities.

Clarkia seedlings dive: video

Transplanting clarke seedlings into open ground and caring for it

With the onset of warm days, clarke seedlings are transferred to open ground. A sunny place with moderately fertile soil and low acidity is the best option for growing clarkia.

When the main stem reaches 12-15 cm, it should be pinched, this will stimulate the plant to form new shoots. And also this procedure allows you to form a clarke bush to your liking and increases the number of flowers on it.

Clarkia's care open ground will not be burdensome.

Moderate watering in the absence of rain.
Loosening and weeding, which is necessary for every garden plant. Clarkia will not be an exception, unless the soil around the flowers is mulched.

For reference. Mulching the soil around the plants solves many problems. Mulch inhibits the growth of weeds and reduces the time and effort required for watering.

2-3 times per season, flowers are fed with mineral fertilizers. Nitrogen-containing - are excluded, because clarkia does not like excessive fat content of the soil.
Removing wilted buds will prolong the freshness of the flowers. The plant will not waste energy on ripening seeds, but will direct them to the formation of new buds.

But a few inflorescences need to be left if the gardener plans to collect his own seeds.

When and how are clarke seeds harvested

Clarkia reproduces well by self-seeding. If the wilted flower was not removed in time, then a seed pod will form on it. It has an elongated shape and contains numerous and very small seeds. A seedling will take a month for the contents to mature. During this time, it will change color from green to brown.

After ripening, the capsule spontaneously opens and the so-called self-seeding occurs. In the spring of next year, there will be a dense carpet of seedlings at this place, which can be thinned out or transplanted for further cultivation.

But if it was decided to collect seeds, then the attracted inflorescences are noticed even at the flowering stage. When the flower withers, it is tied with a thin cotton cloth so that after ripening the seeds do not spill out into the soil. After a month, the testes are cut and dried, if necessary. The seeds are poured onto paper and packaged.

They can be used in the year of harvest for winter sowing or left until spring. Clarkia remains viable for up to 4 years.

Diseases and pests of clarkia

A beautiful plant with delicate flowers shows resistance to various types of diseases and is practically not exposed to pests.

In most cases, flower infection occurs through the carelessness of the gardener. The wrong choice of planting site and violation of irrigation norms are the main reasons for the defeat of clarke with fungal diseases.

Low-lying areas of the garden, where it is always humid and damp, are completely unsuitable for growing a flower. This microclimate is favorable for the development of fungal spores. First, the root system and the base of the stem are damaged. Reproducing, they inhabit the entire plant. A gray plaque appears on it, consisting of a cluster of spores.

It is best to destroy such a plant immediately, and treat the neighboring plants with fungicides. The place where the infected flower grew is also subject to processing. You can apply 1% Bordeaux liquid.

Excessive watering with stagnant water at the location of the roots entails such signs of the disease.

Pests

At the stage of development of sprouts in the open field, they can be attacked by a garden flea. The likelihood of a problem increases if the clarkia plantings are located near vegetable beds. Jumping insects move from plant to plant, sucking sap from young leaves and stems. This inhibits seedlings and can lead to their death.

You can get rid of the garden flea with the help of Karbofos "and Fufanon" preparations.

Clarkia's more dangerous enemy is the mealybug. If a plaque resembling cotton balls is seen on the aerial part, then this is the work of a small worm that has built a cotton shelter for itself and imperceptibly harms the plant.

Clarkia flowers - growing from seeds and care, planting clarkia in the garden: video

Compliance with the simple rules for growing clarke in a summer cottage will allow you to avoid unpleasant moments, and a stately beauty will delight the gardener by painting the backyard with bright colors.

Clarkia is a very beautiful annual herb with unusual and vibrant flowers. Clarkia is often called "sakura" for its variety of pink shades and abundant bloom. The plant belongs to the fireweed family. His homeland is Chile and the Pacific coast of North America. Bright flowers, as if strung on thin stems, form multi-colored islands in the garden. This will certainly make the site more beautiful and attract a lot of attention. The colorful flower garden will become the pride of the owners. Clarkia is undemanding to care for, but thanks to a few tricks, the flowering will be more abundant and last longer.

Botanical description

Clarkia is a herbaceous annual with a fibrous, superficial rhizome. Thin erect stems branch well, so the plant forms a bush 30-90 cm high. Shoots are covered with reddish bark with short pubescence. Alternate leaves, sessile or on short petioles, are dark green in color. Sometimes reddish streaks are visible on the surface. The leaf plate has an oval shape with a pointed end.

Flowering begins in May-June, 2 months after sowing the seeds. At the tops of the shoots, single axillary flowers are formed on short pedicels. They have a regular shape and a small tube. Thin petals are painted in pink, purple or lilac shades of varying intensity. The petals can have smooth or split edges. There are simple and double buds. Flowers exude a delicate scent that attracts beneficial insects to the site.

After pollination, fruits are tied - small oblong seed pods. They hide small seeds with a brown coating. They remain viable for 2-4 years. The seed pods open after ripening, which provokes self-seeding.

Types of clarkia

The clarkia genus is not too numerous. There are about 30 species in it, but only 4 of them are used in culture. Breeders have also developed several ornamental varieties. Plants look good in a monochromatic planting, as well as when using a mix of clarkia varieties with multi-colored buds.

The plant reaches a height of 90 cm. It consists of thin, highly branched stems. Dark green leaves with raised veins are oval in shape and jagged edges. Flowering occurs from June to September. Loose carpal inflorescences form on the tops of the stems. The diameter of each corolla is about 4 cm. Popular varieties:

Salmon perfection - loose shoots 70-90 cm high covered with double inflorescences with salmon petals;
Albatross - snow-white double flowers bloom on a 75 cm high bush;
Diamond - the tops of the shoots are decorated with large double flowers of a bright pink color;
Gloriosa - the plant is densely covered with simple scarlet flowers with a light core.

The compact variety does not exceed 40 cm in height. Green elongated leaves have a solid edge and a pointed top. Axillary flowers bloom at the ends of the shoots. They are located singly or in small inflorescences. The thin, soft petals are divided into 3 parts and resemble an unusual trident or antlers. Flowering begins at the end of May.

The species appeared only in 2006. A plant up to 50 cm high is resistant to cold weather. Symmetrical delicate flowers are no more than 3 cm in diameter. Pink clarkia flowers are compared to cherry blossoms.

This annual forms a dense growth due to highly branched shoots. The height of the bushes is 40-65 (90) cm. Dark green elongated leaves are surrounded by double flowers with white, pink, purple and burgundy petals.

Breeding methods and planting

The best way to propagate clarkia, like any annual, is to sow seeds. During the season, they ripen on the plant in large quantities, so there is no difficulty. Seeds can be sown for seedlings or directly into open ground.

Seedlings can be sown in early March, then flowering is expected in the second half of May. For growing seedlings of clarke from seeds, wide boxes are prepared. The soil is made up of the following components:

sheet land (2 parts);
rotted humus (part 1);
peat (1 part);
sand (1 part).

The soil should be steamed from pests, and the seeds should be soaked for several hours in a solution of potassium permanganate. Crops are sealed to a depth of 1.5-2 cm. The surface is sprayed from a spray bottle and covered with glass or film. Germination takes up to 14 days, after which the shelter should be removed. Seedlings are grown in a well-lit and warm place.

Seedlings are grown without picking until they are transplanted into open ground. All clarkies, but especially hybrid varieties, die upon repeated transplantation. To avoid this problem, you can sow the seeds in peat tablets. In this case, the rhizome is not injured when planted in open ground. It is also important not to deepen the root collar.

It is permissible to sow seeds directly into open ground. Seedlings grown in one place look stronger and bloom faster. The procedure is carried out in May, when the spring frosts have passed. At the planting site, you should carefully dig up the soil, remove weeds and apply mineral fertilizers. Seeds are sown to a depth of 1.5-2 cm with a distance of 4-5 cm.

Outdoor cultivation

Location. Clarkia is an unpretentious and fast growing plant. She feels equally well in the open sun and partial shade. She is also not afraid of drafts and short-term cold snaps. The plant prefers light and fertile soil through which air can penetrate to the roots. Of course, clarkia can adapt to heavy clay soils, but it will not grow so intensively.

Landing. Since clarkia is highly branching, it may need thinning. The distance between adult plants should be at least 15 cm. This will allow the sun and air to penetrate to the bottom of the shoots, which means that greens and flowers will remain attractive longer.

Watering. It is better to water the clarke regularly so that only the top layer of the soil dries out. When the roots dry out, the leaves and shoots begin to turn yellow. Stagnant water contributes to the development of root rot. If precipitation falls regularly in summer, you can do without watering. Otherwise, irrigation is carried out in small portions of water.

Humidity. The plant does not need excessive air humidity. Sunny and well-ventilated locations are preferred.

Fertilizer. From the moment of planting, clarkia needs regular feeding. A solution of mineral fertilizers for flowering garden plants should be applied twice a month. They contain all the necessary substances and do not harm beneficial insects.

Crown formation. Young plants about 10 cm tall can be pinched to create more lush bushes. It is better to cut the flowers as they wilt so that the plant retains its decorative effect. Several buds should be selected at once for seed ripening. When flowering is complete, it is recommended to remove the remaining shoots and dig up the soil. It is highly likely that next year self-seeding will appear and clarkia will easily revive in its original place.

Clarkia indoors

Clarkia can be grown not only outdoors, but also on a balcony or in a room. However, the houseplant is more modest in size and small flowers. The clarke pot should be placed in a well-lit place. You can grow it even in winter, using additional lighting.

If the plant in the open field has risen late and did not have time to bloom, it can be dug out with a large clod of earth and continue to grow at home. It should be remembered that even the most careful care will not turn clarkia into a perennial. After the flowers wither, the rhizome begins to die off.

Diseases and pests

Clarkia is disease resistant. Only when grown in a damp place, on flooded soils, roots and shoots are affected by the fungus. The appearance of a whitish fluffy bloom or brown spots on the stems indicates an infection. It is impossible to save such plants; all shoots should be destroyed and the soil should be treated with a fungicide.

Clarkia is most attractive in large, dense groups. Then it resembles a lush carpet covered with fragrant flowers. Usually the plant is planted near fences or along paths. Can be combined in one flower garden varieties with different colors of flowers. Clarkia looks good in the neighborhood with asters or phlox, roses or conifers.

Fragrant flowers attract beneficial insects, which is why herbs are melliferous. Clarkia can also be used to form bouquets. Brushes of delicate flowers will stay in a vase for 1-2 weeks.

For a novice florist choosing plants for a "southern" solar flower bed, we can safely recommend clarkia. It does not require special care and will adequately decorate your flower garden for the whole summer, until the very frosts. And in a company with zinnia, echinacea, chamomile, it will even withstand a short drought. So that you can fully appreciate this flower, let's look at how Clarkia graceful is grown from seeds and how to provide it with a comfortable environment.

Clarkia (Clarkia) is a cute herbaceous annual of the Cyprian family. This plant came to Europe from North America, where more than 30 of its species grow. It is a close relative of godetia (you can learn more about this culture) and fireweed (Ivan-tea). Named after American Captain William Clarke.

Erect, slightly covered with a short fluff, the stems of the clarke branch well, grow from 30 cm to almost 1 m. The rich green leaves have an oval-elongated shape and are placed alternately. The flowers are located either one at a time in the leaf axils, or form an apical inflorescence-ear (or brush). Four petals (sometimes three) form a tubular calyx. They can be plain or terry. The color is white or various shades of red and pink. Blooms from July until the first frost. The fruit is an oblong capsule with many seeds.

In decorative floriculture, three types are used.

Clarkia graceful

Clarkia graceful or marigold

Clarkia graceful or marigold (Clarkia unguiculata) forms branchy spreading bushes of various heights: from miniature (30 cm) to tall (90 cm). Green oblong leaves with sparse denticles have a bluish bloom, as well as reddish veins. Small (3 cm) flowers are located singly in the leaf axils. There are simple and double, reminiscent of miniature carnations. Blooms very profusely and for a long time. Small oval rough brown seeds ripen in the seed box.

Clarkia graceful has various varieties. For example, Clarkia "Solnyshko" (60-70 cm) with large (4 cm) double flowers of a warm salmon shade, with deep pink double flowers Clarkia "Our Joy", aggressive red variety "Diamond" (60 cm), very beautiful Clarkia "Ruby" (40-70 cm) has a shade of red.

Clarkia graceful "Sun"

Very bright color mixtures in the graceful clarkia. For example, Clarkia "Fantasy" is a mixture with white, red-pink and purple double flowers (60-75 cm). A wide range of pinks are presented in the "Charm" mix.

Clarkia is pretty

Clarkia pretty (Clarkia pulchella) is a short herbaceous annual. This species is also called omitted clarkia. It has erect (30-40 cm) stems, long thin pointed leaves sometimes form a basal rosette. Terry or simple flowers of various shades of pink are located in the axils of the apical leaves, both singly and in small groups. Interesting are the petals of its flowers, similar to elk horns, widely dissected into three lobes. It blooms a little earlier than graceful clarkia.

Clarkia is pretty or low on

Such mixtures as clarkia "Arianna" (up to 40 cm) with white and crimson double flowers, a bright old variety "Miss Langri" are popular.

Clarkia Breveri

Clarkia breweri - this species became available to our growers relatively recently (10 years ago). Medium-sized (up to 50 cm), cold-resistant annual. Simple large flowers with strongly dissected petals are very similar to delicate moths. Has a wonderful, especially intense aroma.

The Pink Ribbons variety with delicate pink petals is distinguished by its miniature size (30 cm), it fully justifies its name, since its flowers really resemble a symbolic pink ribbon.

Clarkia Breveri
Clarkia Breveri "Pink Ribbons"

Reproduction

Clarkia propagates by seeds. You can either grow seedlings first or sow them directly into open ground. Pay attention to the expiration dates of the seeds, in clarkia they remain viable for a maximum of 4 years.

The seedling method allows you to get an earlier flowering, to exclude freezing of seedlings. This method is most suitable for northern regions. Sowing clarke for seedlings is carried out in March. This process is the same as in most other plants. Seeds are sown in a special soil for seedlings, without deepening, only slightly pressing them to the ground.

Clarkia is quite versatile: tall varieties can be safely planted along walls or fences, and undersized varieties are suitable for the foreground of a flower garden. Looks good in compositions with daisies, phlox or petunias.

Great in cut. Keeps fresh for a long time and opens all the buds. And Clarkia Breveri looks great in hanging pots.

The simplicity and unpretentiousness of the clarke in planting and care provide her with the status of a welcome guest in every garden. You just need to do everything right and on time. And then you will see beautiful large and fragrant flowers on the flower bed, clarkia will not disappoint you.

Flowers clarkia (lat.Clarkia) - a genus of annual grasses of the Cypress family, close to godetia, which some botanists combine with clarke into one genus. The plant is named after a captain named William Clark who brought it in the 19th century from California to Europe. In nature, the clarkia flower grows in western North America and Chile and has more than 30 species, among which only three are of interest to flower growers.

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Planting and caring for clarkia

Landing: sowing seeds in the ground - in April or early May, you can, but sow before winter; sowing seeds for seedlings - in March, transplanting seedlings into the ground - in the second or third decade of May.
Lighting: bright sunlight.
The soil: loose, light, dry, fertile, slightly acidic soils. Oily soil is not suitable for the plant.
Watering: only in drought - twice a week.
Top dressing: during the periods of budding and flowering, once every two weeks with a complex mineral fertilizer.
Reproduction: seed.
Pests: mealybugs, garden fleas.
Diseases: rust.

Clarkia flowers - description

So, the clarkia plant is an annual herbaceous culture, reaching a height of 30 to 90 cm. Clarkia's stems are branched, erect, usually pubescent with short villi. Elongated-oval sessile leaves of bright green or bluish color are arranged alternately. Simple or double axillary flowers of the correct shape up to 3.5 cm in diameter, painted in different colors, are usually collected in spike-shaped or racemose apical inflorescences, but occasionally there is a single arrangement of flowers. The calyx of the flower is tubular, the corolla consists of four whole or three-lobed flowers, which narrow at the base into a marigold. The clarkia fruit is an elongated polysperm.

Growing clarkia from seeds

Sowing Clarkia

Clarkia flowers are grown by seed method - seedling or non-seedling. With the seedless method, clarke seeds are sown directly into the ground. This can be done in April or early May, as well as in late autumn, before winter. Before sowing clarke, add 1 kg of peat per m² and potassium sulfate with superphosphate, a tablespoon of each to the same area, to the area for digging. You need to dig up the area with fertilizers at least two weeks before sowing.

Small clarkia seeds are sown in nests of 4-5 pieces at a distance of 20-40 cm, but they are not buried in the ground, but slightly pressed against it and sprinkled with a thin layer of soil. Seedlings may appear in two weeks, and you will have to thin them out, but do not get carried away - blooming clarkia in a dense bush looks prettier. When planting in autumn, the seedlings have time to germinate before the onset of winter and are well preserved under the snow, but even if the crops do not germinate, there is nothing to worry about. In the spring, when the clarkia grows together, you only need to thin it out, like a carrot.

Clarkia seedlings

Clarkia from seeds, grown in seedlings, at the very beginning of its life is reliably protected from temperature extremes, frosts, cold spring rains and other seasonal and climatic troubles, which is why many flower lovers prefer to grow seedlings rather than sow flowers directly into the ground. Clarkia seeds are sown for seedlings in March, then it will bloom in early June.

Sow the seeds in slightly acidic soil, press them down with a board, sprinkle with water, cover with glass and place in a bright, warm place where direct sunlight does not fall. As soon as shoots appear, the glass can be removed, but the container with crops must remain in a dry, warm place with good ventilation until planting in open ground. Clarkia should be dived as early as possible - as soon as the first leaves appear on the seedlings.

Planting clarke in open ground

When to plant clarkia

Clarkia flowers are planted in open ground in May. If the soil in your area is not suitable for clarkia due to the pH value, there are several ways to acidify it: add a kilogram and a half of peat to the soil for digging or 60 g of sulfur for each square meter or spill the soil with a solution of oxalic or citric acid at the rate of 1.5 tablespoons per 10 liters of water. If the soil is too acidic, it is lime before planting, and if it is too greasy, the site is dug up with sand. Well, do not forget to apply the fertilizers that have already been mentioned. You need to prepare a site for clarke at least two weeks before planting.

How to plant clarkia

Clarkia is planted in this way: the seedlings are taken out of the container not one at a time, but in groups, together with an earthen lump, and are also planted in holes located at a distance of 20 to 40 cm from each other. Near each hole, you need to stick a stick or rail, which will serve as a support for the thin stems of the clarkia when the bushes grow. Plant different varieties of plants at a distance from each other, because they can get dusty among themselves. After planting, the plants are watered and lightly pinched to stimulate tillering.

Clarkia care

How to grow clarkia

Growing clarkia and caring for it will not require any special knowledge and effort from you. It is necessary to water the plant only in dry season twice a week, and the rest of the time the clarke will have enough rain moisture. Water for irrigation needs so much so that it is quickly absorbed, and does not stand in a puddle around the plant.

Clarke is fed during the budding and flowering periods with complex mineral fertilizers once every two weeks. For this purpose, Kemira or Rainbow is suitable, clarkia is not fertilized with organic matter. Remove wilted flowers and seed pods so that the plant is only wasting its energy on the formation of new buds. That's all the care of Clarkia.

Clarkia pests and diseases

Of the insect pests, clarkia is affected by the mealybug, the traces of the vital activity of which look like a cotton-like wax coating on the ground parts of plants. Mealybugs are fought by spraying with Aktara, Konfidor or Fitoverm.

If the soil in the area with clarke is loamy, this can cause a fungal disease, manifested by rusty yellow spots with a brown border on the leaves. To destroy the fungus, the plant is sprayed with fungicides - Bordeaux liquid or oxychome, for example. In general, clarkia is a very resistant plant to pests and diseases, and if you properly prepare the soil for it, neither it nor you will have problems with it.

Clarkia after flowering

How and When to Collect Clarkia Seeds

Actually, clarkia reproduces well by self-seeding, you just need to thin out carefully in the spring, when the bristles of clarkia seedlings appear. But if you nevertheless decide to collect the seeds, then it's easy to do: select several beautiful flowers during flowering and, when they begin to fade, tie them with gauze so that the seeds, when ripe, do not fall to the ground. The seeds ripen a month after the end of flowering, when the box becomes brown. Cut a box of seeds, sprinkle them on a newspaper, dry and sow before winter, or store in a paper bag until spring.

Clarkia in winter

After the clarkia has faded, it can be cut to the ground, and when the time comes to dig up the area, remove the remains of the clarkia and destroy them. It is best to burn them to prevent the growth of disease-causing bacteria and fungi that can infect soil or healthy plants.

Types and varieties of clarkia

As already mentioned, only three types of clarkia are grown in the garden culture: clarkia marigold, or clarkia graceful; clarkia is pretty, or clarkia is pubescent; Clarkia Breveri.

Clarkia graceful, or marigold (Clarkia unguiculata \u003d Clarkia elegans)

Clarkia flower graceful grows wild in California. It is a branchy, dense annual plant up to a meter high. Its stems are strong, thin, woody in the lower part, leaves are oval, gray-green with red veins, unevenly sparsely toothed along the edges. Regular flowers up to 4 cm in diameter, simple or double, white, red, purple, pink or blue, are arranged one by one in the leaf axils. Small seeds remain viable for up to 4 years. Blooms profusely from July to September. The cultivation of graceful clarke is very common in our climate. Popular varieties.