Clarkia – Elegant Dark Salmon

Mountain Garland (Clarkia unguiculata), also known as Elegant Clarkia, is a native wildflower of the western United States, prized for its vertical spires of brilliant blooms. A close relative of Godetia (Clarkia amoena), this species offers an equally dazzling floral display in a wider range of garden settings.

The ‘Elegant Dark Salmon’ variety stands out with its rich, deep salmon-pink blooms, a unique and striking shade that brings warmth and sophistication to borders, wildflower gardens, and cutting beds. This variety pairs beautifully with lighter pinks, purples, and whites, creating an eye-catching contrast within mixed plantings.

Mountain Garland typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall in regions like the Pacific Northwest and may benefit from light support or staking as it matures. It thrives in USDA zones 1 through 11, especially in temperate climates with cool evenings. The buds bloom sequentially from the base to the tip of each stem, forming long-lasting floral columns.

As a cut flower, Mountain Garland is exceptional. For longest vase life, harvest stems when lower blooms are just opening and upper buds remain tightly closed, allowing the flowers to continue blooming after cutting.

Plant in a location with full sun to partial shade, avoiding hot, dry, or excessively humid conditions. Like Godetia, Mountain Garland prefers low-nutrient, well-drained soils—especially those low in nitrogen. Rich soils may encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

This plant is best direct-sown outdoors, as it does not transplant well. Sow seeds in spring in most zones, or in fall in zones 7–10 to take advantage of cool-season establishment and spring blooms.

The Elegant Dark Salmon variety of Mountain Garland offers a unique, glowing hue rarely found in other wildflowers, making it a must-have for gardeners seeking bold, romantic color in an easy-to-grow native species.

**For larger quantities than listed for sale please contact us for availability and pricing.

The broadcast rate for seeding is 4 – 5 pounds per acre.

The seed drill rate for seeding in rows is 2 pounds per acre.