Clarkia – Mountain Garland Mix

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Mountain Garland Mix (Clarkia unguiculata), also known as Elegant Clarkia, is a beautiful annual wildflower mix native to the western United States. This colorful mix produces a range of pink, purple, salmon, red, and white flowers along tall, slender stems. The combination of colors creates a natural, varied display that is well suited to wildflower gardens, flower borders, cottage gardens, naturalized plantings, pollinator gardens, wildflower meadows, and cut-flower gardens.

Plants generally grow 24–36 inches tall and produce upright stems with flowers opening progressively along the stem. The blooms create an attractive vertical display with layers of color and texture throughout the flowering season. The mixed colors provide a changing display as different plants come into bloom.

Mountain Garland performs well in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils. It generally performs best in low-nutrient soils, particularly soils that are not excessively high in nitrogen. Rich soils may encourage excessive foliage growth and fewer flowers.

Native to the western United States, this annual occurs naturally in open woodlands, grasslands, hillsides, and other dry habitats. It is well suited to native wildflower plantings, naturalized landscapes, wildflower meadows, and pollinator gardens.

Pacific Northwest Planting

Mountain Garland Mix can be planted in both fall and spring in the Pacific Northwest. Fall planting is particularly useful in western Oregon and other areas with mild winters, allowing seeds to experience cool, moist conditions before germinating naturally in late winter or spring.

Fall Planting

Fall planting is recommended in areas with mild winter conditions. Sow directly outdoors after temperatures have cooled enough to prevent premature germination.

Fall-planted seeds can remain dormant through winter and germinate as temperatures and soil conditions become favorable. In western Oregon and other areas with suitable winter conditions, fall planting can provide an early start to the growing season and may result in earlier spring flowering.

Spring Planting

Spring planting is a reliable option throughout the Pacific Northwest once soil conditions are suitable.

Sow directly into a prepared seed bed and provide good seed-to-soil contact. Direct seeding is recommended because these plants generally do not transplant well.

Early spring planting allows plants to establish during cool spring conditions before flowering begins later in the season.

Planting in Other Regions

Mountain Garland Mix is adaptable to a wide range of climates and can be planted in spring or fall depending on local conditions.

In colder regions, spring planting is generally the most reliable option. In areas with mild winters, fall planting can allow seeds to experience natural winter conditions and produce early spring growth.

The plants perform best in temperate growing conditions with relatively cool temperatures and mild evenings. They may not perform as well in areas with prolonged heat, high humidity, or consistently wet conditions.

For detailed information on site preparation, seeding methods, planting depth, and general planting practices, see our Planting Directions page.

Establishment & Growth

This annual establishes readily from seed. Plants generally grow 24–36 inches tall and produce flowers in shades of pink, purple, salmon, red, and white.

Germination generally occurs within 15–30 days, with flowering beginning approximately 7–8 weeks after planting under suitable growing conditions.

Direct seeding is recommended. Prepare a fine, well-drained seed bed and provide good seed-to-soil contact. These plants generally do not require highly fertile soil or heavy fertilization.

Flowering typically occurs during spring and summer depending on planting date and growing conditions. Flowers open progressively along the stems, creating a long-lasting display with color developing from the lower portions of the stems upward.

Allowing some flowers to mature and produce seed may result in natural reseeding where conditions are favorable. This can help establish an informal, naturalized planting over time.

The long, slender stems also make excellent cut flowers. For the best vase life, harvest stems when the lowest flowers are just beginning to open while additional buds remain higher on the stem.

Pollinator & Wildlife Value

The flowers provide nectar and pollen for flower-visiting insects, including bees and butterflies. The mix offers a variety of flower colors while providing a useful floral resource during the spring and summer flowering season.

As a native western wildflower, Mountain Garland is well suited to native plantings, pollinator gardens, wildflower meadows, and naturalized landscapes.

Larger Quantities

For quantities larger than those currently listed for sale, please contact us for availability and pricing.

Seeding Rates

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

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