Clarkia dudleyana

Common Names

Dudley's Clarkia

Summary

An annual herb native to California and endemic to mountainous habitats in the Transverse Ranges and southern Sierra Nevada foothills, at elevations up to 5,000 feet. It grows upright to about 1–3 feet tall with a ~1-foot spread, has lance-shaped leaves up to 7 cm, and an inflorescence at the stem apex bearing opening flowers with hanging buds; sepals pink to reddish-purple are fused, petals are pinkish lavender up to 3 cm, and the stigma protrudes beyond the eight stamens.

In cultivation, it prefers full sun and well-drained light sandy loam, with compost boosting fertility and drainage. Seeds are sown 1/4 inch deep and spaced 12–18 inches apart, with germination in 7–14 days when soils are warm (65–75°F). The plant is drought-tolerant and requires moisture for germination, then dries slightly between waterings; regular deadheading encourages more blooms. Propagation is by seeds or cuttings rooted in a perlite/peat moss mix. It attracts native bees and butterflies and suits water-wise gardens and erosion control; pests such as spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies may occur and can be managed with insecticidal soap or beneficial insects.

Lifecycle

Annual

Height

1.5-2.5 feet

Spread

1 foot

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun.

Soil Type

Light, sandy loam soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil.

Bloom Color

Pink, Lavender, White

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Leaf Lifecycle

Other

Growth Rate

Rapid

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seed propagation, Cutting propagation

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators