Godetia Plant Info – What Is A Farewell-To-Spring Flower


Godetia flowers, also frequently called farewell-to-spring and clarkia flowers, are a species of the Clarkia genus that are not very well known but excellent in country gardens and flower arrangements. Keep reading to learn more godetia plant info.
Godetia Plant Info
What is a godetia plant? Godetia has a bit of naming confusion surrounding it. The scientific name used to be Godetia amoena, but it has since been changed to Clarkia amoena. To make things more confusing, it is frequently still sold under its old name. It is a species of the Clarkia genus, named after William Clark of the famous Lewis and Clark expedition. This particular species is frequently also called the farewell-to-spring flower. It is an attractive and very showy annual flower that blooms, as the name suggests, in late spring. Its blooms are similar to those of an azalea, and they usually come in shades of pink to white. They are about 2 inches (5 cm.) in diameter, with four equally sized and spaced petals. The plants tend to grow to 12 to 30 inches (30-75 cm.) in height, depending upon the variety.
How to Grow Godetia Plants
Godetia flowers are annuals that are best grown from seed. In cold winter climates, sow the seeds directly in the soil immediately after the last frost. If your winters are mild, you can plant your seeds in late summer or early autumn. The plants grow quickly, and should be flowering within 90 days. They need full sun, especially if you want them to start flowering as quickly as possible. Soil that is sandy, well-draining, and low in nutrients is best. The soil should be kept relatively moist until the plants begin to flower, at which point they become quite drought tolerant. Godetia flowers self-seed very reliably – once established, they will continue to come up naturally in that spot for years.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free copy of our e-book "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes".
The only child of a horticulturist and an English teacher, Liz Baessler was destined to become a gardening editor. She has been with Gardening Know how since 2015, and a Senior Editor since 2020. She holds a BA in English from Brandeis University and an MA in English from the University of Geneva, Switzerland. After years of gardening in containers and community garden plots, she finally has a backyard of her own, which she is systematically filling with vegetables and flowers.
-
Spectacular Early Blooming Shrubs: 6 Sparkling Spring Flowering Bushes
Want to kickstart your gardening year with dazzling spring flowering bushes for beds and borders? These unique early bloomers are sure to help you rise and shine!
By Teo Spengler
-
Best Herbs To Plant With Tomatoes: 6 Perfect Companions For Better Flavor & Bigger Harvests
Certain herbs make excellent neighbors to tomatoes in the vegetable garden, repelling pests, keeping down weeds, and enhancing flavor. Try these top varieties.
By Mary Ellen Ellis