Clarkia: Deerhorn (Clarkia pulchella)
SKU:
$1.00
$1.00 - $5.60
$1.00
per item
This plant’s genus name, “Clarkia,” was given in recognition of Captain William Clark of the historic Lewis & Clark Expedition. Deerhorn Clarkia can be found in the records of this expedition, first discovered by Clark on May 29th, 1809 and very extensively described in Lewis’ journal of the following day. Lewis entrusted his collection of flower species to botanist Frederick Traugott Pursh, who officially classified Clarkia pulchella in 1814 as the first member of the Clarkia genus. Its common name of “Deerhorn” is derived from the resemblance of the delicately lobed petals to antlers.
Scientific Name: Clarkia pulchella
Also Known As: Pinkfairies, Ragged Robin, Large-Flower Clarkia, Pink-Fairies, Beautiful Clarkia
Ease of Growing: Easy
Grown as: Annual
Maturity (Blooms): Spring
Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
Water: Dry
Soil Moisture: Low
Attracts Beneficial Insects?: Yes. Bees and Butterflies, as well as being resistant to deer.
Container: Yes
Height: 12-18”
Spacing: 9-12”
USDA Zone: 3a-8b
Produces: a plant with delicate, narrow foliage and clusters of delicate fuschia flowers with four divided petals and a prominent white pistil.
Also Known As: Pinkfairies, Ragged Robin, Large-Flower Clarkia, Pink-Fairies, Beautiful Clarkia
Ease of Growing: Easy
Grown as: Annual
Maturity (Blooms): Spring
Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
Water: Dry
Soil Moisture: Low
Attracts Beneficial Insects?: Yes. Bees and Butterflies, as well as being resistant to deer.
Container: Yes
Height: 12-18”
Spacing: 9-12”
USDA Zone: 3a-8b
Produces: a plant with delicate, narrow foliage and clusters of delicate fuschia flowers with four divided petals and a prominent white pistil.
Starting Deerhorn Clarkia Seeds Outdoors for Spring
Deerhorn Clarkia should be sown outdoors simply because this species does not transplant well. Direct sow your seeds on the surface of the soil 9-12" apart in early spring, after the last frost date of your area. Keep the soil moist until germination, which should take place within 7-10 days. Deerhorn Clarkia needs well drained soil and adapts to seaside conditions, sand, and clay.
Keep seedlings free of weeds; water regularly until blooming begins, about 90 days after planting. After this point the plants can tolerate drought, though they do not appreciate excess heat and humidity. Deadheading the spent blossoms will tidy the plant, but probably will not produce new blossoms. This plant may self-seed. Clarkia makes a good addition to flower beds, borders, containers, rock gardens and native wildflower plantings. This plant attracts bees and butterflies and resists deer.
For fresh flowers, cut the stems long and place them in water immediately.
After flowering, this plant will produce long, narrow pods that mature to a dark brown; the ripe seed will be light brown. Collect the ripe pods and spread them out away from direct sunlight to dry completely. Split the pods open to remove the seed. Store the seed in a cool, dry place.
Suggested Varieties
Chinese Houses (Collinsia heterophylla)
$1.00 - $5.60
This stunning flower grows wild throughout much of western North America, most often springing up in open woodland areas or pine forests. The genus name, Collinsia, honors Philadelphia botanist Zaccheus Collins (1764-1831). This species was first classified in 1835 as Collinsia bicolor by Englishman George Bentham, one of the 19th century’s foremost botanical experts. Chinese Houses supply nectar for many butterflies, as well as being a larval host for the Checkerspot butterfly.