godetia amoena (onagraceae)

The godetia godetia belongs to a group of plants known as Clarkia, a native of western south and north America. It grows especially well in California, and produces beautiful clusters of funnel shaped flowers on strong stems. The pale pink color shown in this picture, known as Satin, is especially pretty, but it also comes in a range of pinks, lavender and crimson shades. These plants grow during the cooler times of year and bloom in spring and early summer. I bought my plants a couple of weeks ago and they really add a mass of color to the border area of the garden. They do need watering regularly, and droop fairly quickly if they dry out. However, with a dose of water they are soon standing upright again.


Godetia Facts

Bloom time: Spring, early summer.
Exposure: Sun to part shade. Highly cold resistant.
Soil: Best in sandy soil without added fertilizer.
Average Size: 1.5 - 2.5 feet high.
Growth rate: Once flowering, successive flowers form quickly.
Water: Keep uniformly moist during growing season. Do not let dry out.
Fertilizing: Do not fertilize.
Pruning: Remove dead flowers at base.

With its slightly flaring pink or lavender flowers, it looks great in borders or planters, and also makes a good cut flower.

sun star (ornithogalum dubium)

I came across this plant when I was passing by Trader Joe's recently. It is called sun star, so I bought some as I thought they would look great in my container garden. Its Latin name is ornithogalum dubium and it is a native of South Africa. In mild winter areas such as this, it can be grown in woodlands, wild gardens, rock gardens, container gardens or massed in borders. In colder climates it can be grown indoors or in a greenhouse. It has clusters of bright orange star-shaped flowers with narrow, droopy leaves.

Sun Star Facts

Bloom time: Spring.
Exposure: Very adaptable - from full sun to light shade.
Soil: Well drained all purpose potting soil.
Average Size: Stems 8 - 12 inches high.
Growth rate: Fast in good conditions (not tolerant of frost).
Water: Keep uniformly moist during growing season. Needs dry dormant period after flowering.
Fertilizing: Use balanced household fertilizer in early spring when new shoots show.
Pruning: Remove dead flower spikes at base.



With its vibrant South African colors, Sun Star will bloom abundantly for up to three months. It is very easy to care for and looks great indoors or outdoors in the garden.