Clarkia amoena aka Godetia

Clarkia amoena is an annual: it grows for one year. It belongs to Onagraceae, the evening primrose family. Common names include satin flower, godetia, and farewell to spring. It is native from southwestern Canada into the western United States. It grows in temperate regions, where the climate is mild. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Its older names include Clarkia grandiflora and Godetia grandiflora.

The plant grows upright and has lance-shaped leaves. RHS gives its height as about 2.5 feet [0.75 metres]. The wider garden height range is 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. Its listed spread is 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Leaves grow along the upright shoots. These bear leafy racemes, with blooms spaced along a stem. The narrow shape suits beds, borders, and pots.

Flowers bloom in summer. Missouri Botanical Garden gives the season as June to July. Blooms come in red, pink, lavender, and lilac. Some have white centres. Both single and double flowers occur. They bring colour to cottage gardens and less formal beds. They suit cutting gardens and provide flowers to cut. Growers can use pots or set plants among border plants. Both garden sources stress the flowers as the main feature.

Choose full sun, though RHS also allows some shade. Keep the soil moist, but let excess water drain away. Sand or loam suits the plant. RHS advises soil that is a little acid. It should have low to mid levels of plant food. Avoid hot, humid sites. Missouri Botanical Garden lists medium water needs and little care. RHS gives a UK hardiness rating of H6. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 2–11 for this annual. These ratings use different garden systems. They refer to different growing settings.

Sow seed in early spring or autumn, where plants will grow. RHS also advises cutting plants back when blooms end. Pests cause little trouble in many cases. Still, aphids and mites may occur. RHS says the plant stays free of pests in most cases. Missouri Botanical Garden reports no major insect or disease problems. Yet both sources list diseases that may affect it. Both name stem rot, and RHS also lists foot rot. Missouri Botanical Garden adds powdery mildew and verticillium wilt. It also lists leaf spot. The supplied evidence does not show any edible uses. Nor does it establish safety for people or pets.