Godetia amoena subsp. whitneyi

The Godetia or Clarkia semi-dwarf whitneyi is a rather compact selection that offers double to semi-double funnel-shaped flowers, with a satin texture reminiscent of azaleas. Depending on the plants, the corollas are bicoloured or variegated, displaying a beautiful range of pastel or brighter colours ranging from white to mauve to pink and red. This delightful and varied flowering continues throughout the summer. This hardy annual plant can be sown directly in borders and flowerbeds. It also makes an excellent cut flower. It is very easy to grow, preferring well-drained, moderately fertile, relatively moist and light soil.

Godetia amoena is now called Clarkia amoena or Clarkia grandiflora. Godetia amoena subsp. whitneyi, or Whitney's clarkia, is a subspecies with single mauve flowers speckled with bright pink. It is an annual plant from the evening primrose family, native to California, which has given rise to many cultivars. Simply sowing it in place will produce bushy plants with numerous very thin branches, not exceeding 45cm (18in) in height and 30cm (12in) in width in one season. The Godetia leaves are simple, lanceolate in shape with toothed edges. Each plant develops into a small pyramidal shape, ending in summer with numerous spikes of silky flowers, with a wide corolla often speckled towards the throat. With a flared shape, double to semi-double, these funnel-shaped flowers are grouped in terminal inflorescences. The color palette includes white, various shades of pink, peach, mauve, and red. The flowering period extends from June to September, depending on the sowing date, which should be staggered to enjoy a long flowering period. The fruit of this plant is a capsule that splits open when ripe to release numerous seeds.

Clarkias add enchanting spots of colour to flowerbeds and borders. The semi-dwarf whitneyi selection brings refinement and freshness to our gardens. Sow it in borders or in romantic perennial flowerbeds. It will be magnificent in large pots on the terrace or balcony. By combining it with Oriental poppies and asters, you can create ever-changing displays that bloom throughout the summer. Clarkias make excellent cut flowers and are widely used in floristry. They can be sown in the vegetable garden alongside gladioli to provide a supply of flowers for bouquets.