1. *Red Ribbons – Clarkia concinna
(KLAR-kee-uh kon-kin-uh)
Family: Onagraceae (Willowherb Family)
Native to: Northwestern CA from Santa Clara Co. north. Also Northern Sierra foothills; drier areas of
Mixed Evergreen Forest, Northern Oak Woodland, Douglas-Fir Forest, coastal scrub to 3500 ft.
annual wildflower
mature height: 1-2 ft.
Erect, herbaceous annual wildflower. Stems slender – may be red-tinged.
medium green, more rounded than other Clarkias.
Growth characteristics:
mature width: 1-2 ft.
Leaves lance-shaped,
Blooms in spring or summer – Apr-July. Flowers are unique, even among the
showy Clarkias. Flowers are dark to medium pink.
The deeply incised petals with their white
streaks give this species a delicate appearance. flowers have four looping sepals of red or dark pink
which look like loops of silk ribbon. Plants are show-stoppers – popular throughout the world.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Commonly used in flower beds, often in mixed beds with cottage garden look.
Plants are brilliant when massed. Pretty choice for pots and hanging baskets. Plants do well in
part-shade, so useful under trees, north sides of walls, etc. Pair with other Clarkias, Baby Blueeyes, and perennials like Eriophyllum lanatum, Monardella villosa. Seeds can be parched and eaten.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native annual wildflowers.
Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides cover and seeds for food. Attracts native pollinators.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Best in part-shade.
Well-drained best, but adaptable; any local pH.
Needs good winter/spring moisture; supplement if needed. Taper off after blooming
Not needed but OK.
Best with no mulch or organic (gravel) mulch.
Easy. Don’t thin plants – better blooms if crowded (as in nature). Plants re-seed
well (or gather seeds by cutting plants when pods begin to open; invert in paper bag & let dry).
Management:
Propagation: from seed:
easy.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers):
5, 8, 11, 16, 30, 31, 46
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