annualN. America Native

Farewell-to-spring

The Story

Plant Bio

Clarkia amoena is an erect to sprawling annual herb native to western North America, producing slender, branching stems clothed in narrow, medium green leaves. The species is celebrated for its satiny, four-petaled flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, or white, which typically feature a contrasting dark crimson blotch at the base of each petal.

The blossoms open sequentially in terminal spikes, displaying a delicate, crepe-paper texture that persists from late spring until the onset of intense summer heat. This timing earns the plant its common name, farewell-to-spring, as it bridges the gap between early spring bulbs and midsummer perennials.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces satiny, crepe-like flowers in vibrant pinks and reds that provide a dramatic late-spring display.

Thrives in poor, sandy soils where other annuals struggle, requiring minimal fertilizer.

Attracts specialized native bees, including Clarkia bees, as well as generalist pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Annual

Height

30"

Width

12"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

Western North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Sow seeds directly onto prepared, weed-free soil in early spring, pressing them lightly into the surface as they require light to germinate.
Keep the seedbed consistently moist but not waterlogged until germination occurs, which usually takes one to two weeks.
Thin the young seedlings to a spacing of eight to twelve inches to ensure adequate air circulation and prevent leggy growth.
Water moderately during the early growth phase, then reduce irrigation once established to encourage sturdier stems and abundant blooms.

Pro Tip

Direct-sow seeds where they are to grow rather than transplanting, as the taproots resent disturbance; additionally, avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which stimulate weak, floppy foliage at the expense of flowers.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Sow seeds directly in their final garden position to avoid transplant shock.
Provide full sun and excellent soil drainage to prevent stem and root rots.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to slightly prolong the blooming period.

Don't

Do not over-fertilize, as excess nitrogen causes weak, floppy stems and reduces flowering.
Avoid overhead watering, which fosters powdery mildew and other fungal foliage diseases.
Do not allow the soil to remain soggy or waterlogged.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Pest Check
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Cottage GardensWildflower MeadowsMixed BordersCutting GardensCoastal Gardens

Companion Plants

Eschscholzia californica Lupinus nanus Gilia capitata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Farewell-to-spring questions

What zones can Farewell-to-spring grow in?

Farewell-to-spring is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Farewell-to-spring bloom?

Farewell-to-spring typically blooms in late spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Farewell-to-spring need full sun?

Farewell-to-spring does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Farewell-to-spring drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Farewell-to-spring handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.