Clarkia amoena

Common Names

Godetia, Farewell to Spring, Satinflower

Summary

Clarkia amoena, Farewell-to-Spring or Godetia, is an annual wildflower native to western North America, from British Columbia to central California, prized for its cup-shaped four-petaled flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. Upright stems with lance-shaped leaves carry blossoms in shades of pink, magenta, red, lilac, and white, often with a darker blotch, and the plant typically grows about 0.5–1 m tall while often reseeding to form natural patches; it is deer resistant and attractive to bees and butterflies.

For cultivation, plant from seed—directly in the garden after the last frost or indoors—and provide full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil; germination occurs in about 7–14 days. Self-seeding and drought tolerance once established are common, making it suitable for beds, borders, cottage gardens, cutting gardens, containers, and meadows, while deadheading can extend bloom and cutting gardens benefit from its long-lasting flowers.

Lifecycle

Annual

Height

1-3 feet

Spread

9-12 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 2-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun, tolerates Partial Sun and Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained loam or sandy soil, slightly acidic to neutral pH (about 6.0–7.5), and poor to moderately fertile.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0-7.5, Slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

Pink to white, with lavender, lilac, mauve, magenta, red, purple, and peach varieties.

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green foliage, often grayish-green or pale-green that may yellow with the seasons, sometimes with a pink or red tint

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds (self-seeding)

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators