Clarkia purpurea (W. Curtis) A. Nels. & J.F. Macbr. ssp. viminea (Dougl. ex Hook.) H.F. & M.E. Lewis
Clarkia purpurea, also known as winecup clarkia, is a subspecies of the Clarkia genus in the family Onagraceae. This subspecies is native to western North America, particularly in the coastal regions of California, Oregon, and Washington.
Common Names
In addition to winecup clarkia, this plant is commonly referred to as purple clarkia, red ribbons, or elegant clarkia, depending on the specific region or community.
Uses
In traditional Native American medicine, the roots of Clarkia purpurea were used topically as a poultice to treat bruises and injuries. Additionally, the flowers and seeds were consumed as food by Native American tribes, such as the Pomo and Karuk.
General Appearance
Clarkia purpurea ssp. viminea is an annual herb that typically grows to be about 20-70 cm tall. It features narrow leaves that are lanceolate and slightly twisted, and flowers that bloom in shades of pink or purple with distinct dark stripes. The fruit of the plant is a slender capsule that splits open when mature to reveal tiny, black seeds.
Winecup Clarkia tends to grow in disturbed habitats such as meadows, roadsides, and grasslands, and thrives in full sunlight and well-drained soil. Due to its attractive appearance, it is often grown commercially for ornamental purposes, and is a popular choice for pollinator gardens due to its ability to attract bees and butterflies.
Growth Conditions for Clarkia purpurea ssp. viminea
Light: Clarkia purpurea ssp. viminea is a plant that requires full sun exposure to grow best. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade will negatively impact its growth and flowering.
Temperature: This plant species can grow in a variety of temperature ranges, but it prefers a cooler climate. Optimal growth occurs in temperatures ranging from 40°F to 85°F (4.4°C to 29.4°C). Temperatures above 90°F (32.2°C) can stress the plant and reduce its ability to flower.
Soil: Clarkia purpurea ssp. viminea prefers well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.5). Clay soils should be amended with organic matter, such as compost, to improve drainage. The plant can tolerate poor soil conditions, but it may not reach its full growth potential.
Water: This plant requires moderate to regular watering during its growth period. Once established, it can tolerate drought conditions for short periods of time. However, prolonged drought can cause stress and reduce its ability to flower. Over-watering can also negatively impact the plant's growth by causing root rot and other diseases.
Fertilizer: Clarkia purpurea ssp. viminea does not require fertilizer to grow, but it can benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer during its active growth period. Too much fertilizer can cause excessive vegetative growth and reduce the plant's ability to flower.
Propagation: This plant species can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in the fall, and the seedlings can be transplanted in the spring. Cuttings should be taken in the spring and rooted before transplanting.
Cultivation Methods
Clarkia purpurea ssp. viminea is a hardy annual plant that is relatively easy to grow. It prefers full sun but can also be grown in partial shade. The plant grows best in well-draining soil that is fertile and rich in organic matter. To cultivate Clarkia purpurea ssp. viminea, sow the seeds directly into the ground in the spring, after the last frost date. The seeds should be about 1/8 inch deep and spaced about 6 inches apart. You can also start the seeds indoors about 6 weeks before the last frost date and transplant them outside after the seedlings have developed about four leaves.Watering Needs
Clarkia purpurea ssp. viminea needs regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It is essential to water the plant deeply and less frequently rather than shallowly and frequently. However, be careful not to overwater the plant, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot and other diseases.Fertilization
Clarkia purpurea ssp. viminea does not require heavy fertilization. You can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil before planting or apply a general-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10.Pruning
Clarkia purpurea ssp. viminea does not require much pruning. However, you can deadhead the flowers as they fade to prolong the blooming period. Removing the spent flowers also encourages the plant to produce more blooms. If you notice any dead or diseased leaves, remove them promptly to prevent the spread of disease.Propagation of Clarkia purpurea ssp. viminea
Clarkia purpurea ssp. viminea, commonly known as winecup clarkia, is a herbaceous flowering plant that belongs to the Onagraceae family. Propagation of the winecup clarkia is typically done by either seed or vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagating winecup clarkia is through seed sowing. The seeds are tiny and should ideally be sown in a well-draining soil mix enriched with organic matter. Sow the seeds shallowly, about 1/8 inch deep, and keep the soil moist until germination occurs, which usually takes about two weeks. Once the seedlings have developed about four true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual containers or directly into the ground.
Vegetative Propagation
While seed propagation is the most straightforward way to propagate winecup clarkia, vegetative methods can also be used. The winecup clarkia roots readily from stem cuttings, and shoots can develop from the base of the plant. To propagate the plant vegetatively, use a sharp and sterile knife to cut a healthy stem approximately 3-4 inches long. Remove all leaves from the stem, leaving only the top 1-2 leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder before planting it into a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist until rooting occurs, which usually takes about four weeks.
Disease Management
Clarkia purpurea ssp. viminea is susceptible to several diseases that can affect its growth, foliage, and flowers. Here are some of the common diseases and ways to manage them:
Gray Mold (Botrytis cinerea)
Gray Mold can infect the flowers, leaves, and stems of C. purpurea ssp. viminea, leading to the formation of grayish-brown mold on the affected parts. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove the infected parts and spray the plant with a fungicide. Also, providing proper air circulation, reducing overhead watering, and avoiding overcrowding of plants can help prevent the spread of this disease.
Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum)
Fusarium Wilt is caused by a soil-borne fungus that infects the roots of C. purpurea ssp. viminea, leading to wilting, yellowing, and eventually death of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plants, and avoid planting in soil that has been previously affected by this disease. Using sterilized soil and watering the plant properly can also help prevent the spread of this disease.
Rust (Puccinia spp.)
Rust can infect the leaves and stems of C. purpurea ssp. viminea, causing the formation of small, yellowish-orange pustules. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove infected leaves and stems, and spray the plant with a fungicide. Also, avoiding overhead watering and providing proper air circulation can help prevent the spread of this disease.
Pest Management
C. purpurea ssp. viminea is also prone to several pest attacks that can damage the plant. Here are some of the common pests and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of C. purpurea ssp. viminea, causing stunted growth and curling of leaves. To manage this pest, it is recommended to spray the plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Also, introducing natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings can help control the population of aphids.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that can feed on the leaves of C. purpurea ssp. viminea, causing defoliation. To manage this pest, it is recommended to remove the caterpillars by handpicking or spraying the plant with Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) which is a natural insecticide that is not harmful to humans and the environment.
Spider Mites
Spider Mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that can cause yellowing and stunted growth of C. purpurea ssp. viminea. To manage this pest, it is recommended to spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge the mites. Also, spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective in controlling the population of spider mites.
