Clarkia 'Fruit Salad'

'Fruit Salad' is a vibrant and cheerful mix of Godetia (now often classified under Clarkia), known for its large, funnel-shaped flowers with petals that look as thin and delicate as crinkled silk. The mix includes a bright array of bi-colours in shades of coral, pink, red, and white, often with contrasting centres. These hardy annuals are incredibly easy to grow and reach a height of about 30-40cm, making them perfect for the front of a sunny border. In the UK, they are often direct-sown in the spring. They are notably tollerant of poorer soils and can even struggle if the soil is too rich, which may lead to excessive foliage at the expense of flowers. Once they start blooming, they provide a dense carpet of colour. They are excellent for cutting, with stems that should be harvested when the first two buds on the spike begin to open.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H3 — down to −5°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.