Farewell to spring is also known as the herald of summer plant. It is native to the United States and a member of the evening primrose family of plants. Botanically, it is known as Clarkia amoena, and by the synonyms Godetia amoena and Clarkia amoena ssp. amoena.
Farewell to Spring Description
Growing one to three feet high, the farewell to spring has narrow leaves and showy flowers. Flowers are in a loose inflorescence, pink, and are cup-shaped. It is an annual flower. The pink blooms may have splashes of red on them as well as red sepals. It flowers in the summer and the blooms are open in the mornings while closing in the evenings. Bloom season is between June and August.
Growing Guide
Plant a farewell to spring in partial shade. It does well in poor soils. Plant in moist soil, but it will tolerate dry soils after it begins flowering. Propagate by seed that is sown after the last frost. Germination typically occurs within three months from sowing.
Distribution
This plant is found in the states of Oregon, Washington, and California. It is seen in bluffs and coastal slopes.
Food Uses
The seeds from Clarkia species have been ground into flour to use as a food source by indigenous Californians.
Name
The Clarkia species name comes from William Clark, captain in the Lewis and Clark expeditions. Some of these species are rare, most are in California, and there are only about 30 in all.
Source: NPIN