Clarkia – Elegant Red

Mountain Garland (Clarkia unguiculata), also known as Elegant Clarkia, is a stunning annual wildflower native to the western United States. Known for its tall, vertical bloom spikes and prolonged flowering season, it’s a standout in wildflower meadows, cottage gardens, and pollinator-friendly plantings. A close relative of Godetia (Clarkia amoena), it shares a love for cool weather and low-maintenance care.

The ‘Elegant Red’ variety features vivid scarlet to deep rosy-red blossoms, arranged in stacked whorls along long, slender stems. This rich, fiery color adds bold contrast and vibrant energy to garden beds and floral arrangements, making it one of the most dramatic and eye-catching varieties in the Mountain Garland group.

Typically growing 2 to 3 feet tall, Mountain Garland may require light staking as it reaches maturity, particularly in dense plantings or breezy areas. It thrives across USDA zones 1–11, especially in temperate regions where cool evening temperatures support optimal blooming.

Flowers open progressively from the bottom to the top of the stem, creating a dynamic, cascading bloom effect. It is also an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements. For best results, harvest stems when the lower flowers are just beginning to open, leaving upper buds to bloom in the vase.

Mountain Garland prefers full sun to partial shade, and like Godetia, it performs best in well-drained, low-nitrogen soils. Fertile soil may lead to excessive foliage with fewer blooms. This plant is not tolerant of arid or overly humid climates, instead favoring cool, dry air and mild seasonal conditions.

Because it does not transplant well, it should be direct-sown outdoors. In zones 7–10, sow seeds in the fall for spring blooms. In colder zones, plant in early spring after the last frost.

With its elegant red blossoms and upright, airy habit, this variety brings fiery color and native charm to any landscape or bouquet—perfect for gardeners seeking a vivid and reliable wildflower.

**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.