Waltham creek clarkia (Clarkia modesta)

Also known as: Modest Clarkia

The wildflower you're referring to is likely "Waltham Creek Clarkia." This delicate plant features slender stems adorned with pink to lavender funnel-shaped blossoms that bloom in clusters. It thrives in open, sunny areas with well-drained soils, typically in Western American meadows. The narrow leaves add a subtle touch to its vibrant spring and early summer display, creating a picturesque scene as it sways in the breeze.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Waltham creek clarkia

Lifespan

Annual

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

10-50 cm

Spread

Not applicable

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1-2 cm

Flower Color

Pink to pale purple

Images of Waltham creek clarkia

Quickly Identify Waltham creek clarkia

Clarkia modesta can be identified by its slender, erect stems, lance-shaped leaves, and small, four-petaled flowers that range from pink to pale purple.

Scientific Classification of Waltham creek clarkia

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Myrtales

Family

Evening primrose

Genus

Clarkia

Species

Waltham creek clarkia

Planting and Growing of Waltham creek clarkia

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-6 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Waltham creek clarkia?

For Clarkia modesta, the ideal watering quantity follows the principle of deeply soaking the soil until water reaches the root zone. Each watering session should be thorough, approximately 250 ml per plant, ensuring moisture penetrates the root level without becoming excessively saturated.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Waltham creek clarkia? ›

What should I do if my Waltham creek clarkia is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Waltham creek clarkia? ›

How to save an overwatered Waltham creek clarkia? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Waltham creek clarkia?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full sun

Duration of light: 4-6 hours daily

Clarkia modesta flourishes with partial sun to full sun exposure. Adequate lighting fosters healthy photosynthesis, promoting vigorous growth and abundant blossoms, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

What is the ideal amount of light for Clarkia modesta? ›

How to achieve ideal lighting for Clarkia modesta? ›

What benefits does ideal lighting bring to Clarkia modesta? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Waltham creek clarkia?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for growing Clarkia modesta is between 60°F to 75°F. This range helps the plant to maintain optimal growth and flowering. Temperatures within this range ensure proper metabolic processes and prevent stress conditions that could hinder development.

What Soil is Best for Waltham creek clarkia?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Clarkia modesta needs well-drained soil to maintain proper moisture levels. Overly wet soil can lead to root rot, hindering the plant's health and growth. Well-drained soil ensures that the roots can breathe, which is crucial for nutrient absorption. While not overly picky, Clarkia modesta thrives in soils that are rich in organic matter. Nutrient-rich soil supplies essential elements, such as nitrogen and potassium, which support vigorous growth and vibrant blooms. Clarkia modesta prefers a neutral to slightly acidic pH range from 6.5 to 7.5. This range allows optimal nutrient availability and prevents potential nutrient lockout, facilitating healthy plant development.

How to Fertilize Waltham creek clarkia?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

When it comes to applying fertilizer to Clarkia modesta, the plant requires a balanced approach. Use a diluted liquid fertilizer mix with a concentration of 1/4 strength every two weeks during the growing season. If using slow-release granules, spread them evenly around the root zone at a low application rate to avoid overfeeding.

How to Prune Waltham creek clarkia?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by examining the plant for any dead, wilting, or diseased stems and flowers. These should be the first to be removed to promote new growth and prevent disease spread. When pruning, make your cuts just above a leaf node to encourage new shoots to form. This helps the plant to branch out, increasing the overall flower production. Clip the tips of longer stems to maintain the desired shape and size of the plant, ensuring even light exposure across the plant and preventing legginess. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Waltham creek clarkia plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Fill the seed tray with potting mix, leaving about half an inch of space from the top. Level the surface gently but don’t compact the soil as seeds need loose soil for germination.

Scatter the Clarkia modesta seeds evenly over the surface of the mix. Avoid burying them too deep; a light dusting of soil over the seeds can help to keep them in place.

Use a fine mist spray bottle to moisten the soil without displacing the seeds. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, as excess water can lead to rot or fungal diseases.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Waltham creek clarkia plant?

Repotting frequency: Every two years

Clarkia modesta should be repotted when you notice roots emerging from the drainage holes or the plant appears root-bound. This usually happens every couple of years. Additionally, if the soil becomes compacted and water is not soaking in well, it's a signal that the plant might benefit from fresh soil and a larger pot.

Select a pot that is 1-2 inches wider in diameter than the current one to give the roots room to spread. It's best to use a light-colored pot to keep the soil cooler in warm climates. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent water-logging, which could lead to root rot and negatively impact plant health.

Opt for a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for flowering plants. This mix should be slightly acidic to neutral to match the natural pH preference of Clarkia modesta. A soil-containing combination of organic matter, sand, and perlite is ideal to support healthy root growth and ensure proper aeration.