Easy to grow, colourful, free-flowering annuals. Ideal for the front or middle of the border. Provides good bushy growth and plenty of brightly coloured flowers. Named after the Swiss botanist Charles Henri Godet.
Family: Onagraceae (Evening Primrose family).
Botanical Name: Godetia (Clarkia amoena)
Common Names: Farewell to Spring, Satin Flower
Foliage: Simple, long pointed green leaves.
Flowers: Large, cup-shaped, double, single or frilly flowers. In various shades of white, pink, salmon, mauve, purple, lavender and red, often bicoloured.
Flowering Period: Early to late summer (June-September).
Soil: Moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil (sand or loam). Slightly acid pH. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Conditions: Best in full sun, will tollerate some shade. Plant in a east, west or south facing aspect.
Habit: Bushy, upright.
Type: Hardy Annual.
Origin: North America.
Hardiness: Hardy throughout the UK.
One of the easiest summer bedding plants to grow. Needs an open sunny position to flower well. Thrives in any well-drained, moisture-retentive, light soil. Ensure the soil is not too rich as this will generate excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.
Suitable for raised beds, borders, pots and containers.
Tall varieties are useful as cut flowers.
Stake taller varieties in exposed situations.
Water regularly during dry weather. Do not over water, as this can cause yellow or brown patches on the leaves.
Deadhead regularly to extend the flowering period.
Generally pest free. Can be affected by stem and root rot.
Sow the seeds outdoors where they are to flower, in prepared ground, from early to mid spring. Gradually thin to required spacing.
Sow under glass in autumn for early flowers the next year. Protect late-sown seedlings with cloches in cold areas.
Most garden varieties are hybrids of G. grandiflora. Average height 1-2ft (30-60cm).
Godetia grandiflora (syn. Clarkia amoena) is a compact plant with mid-green, pointed leaves and colourful trumpet-shaped flowers all summer. Most modern cultivars are available as seeds of mixed colours, although a few older single colour forms are still available. Good varieties include: