Winecup clarkia
Clarkia purpurea
Care
full sun
low
Fast, Medium, Slow; Adaptable.
3–3ft tall , 1–1ft wide
Mar-Aug
Friendly
Prized
Inland valleys and foothills from Sonoma County to San Luis Obispo County, 500-2500 ft elevation in grassland and oak woodland.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Winecup Clarkia in full sun where it will get at least 6 hours of direct light daily. This Bay Area native is highly adaptable to soil type - it thrives in fast, medium, or slow-draining soil, so don't worry too much about amending. Plant in early fall or winter so the seedlings establish before summer heat arrives. Space plants about 12 inches apart to give them room to reach their full 3-foot height.
After Planting
Water weekly during your first summer to help the plant establish, then cut back dramatically - once established, Winecup Clarkia needs water just twice a month or less during summer. This is a spring bloomer (March through August) that prefers dry conditions, so the #1 mistake is overwatering; let the soil dry out between waterings after the first season. The plant tolerates cold down to 5°F, so it will handle Bay Area winters without protection.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
Listed under California ESA
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Larval host plant for early spring generation
Host plant for spring brood
Spring blooming specialist, early season pollen source
Primary spring pollinator, larval food plant
Spring nectar source
Spring bloom nectar foraging
Early season nectar foraging during clarkia bloom
Spring larval host plant
+4 more species