General Description/History

These North American natives were once classified into the Godetia genus, and this has stuck as the common name, even though they are now part of Clarkia. Only one of the 40 Clarkia species is commonly used as a cut flower: C amoena, which is called ‘Farewell to Spring’ in the US – a reference to its late spring flowering time.

Flowers are cup-shaped, small (3 to 5 cm), with 4 petals and are commonly pink, with a dark red spot in the middle of each petal. New varieties with pale pink and white or lavender petals are also available. Stems are short, rarely exceeding 50 cm.

Godetia is an annual that is grown as a field crop. Most supplies come from Vic, and NSW.

What to look for

• Buy when the flowers are half-open or in buds with full colour showing;
• Avoid bunches where all the buds are tight and green, or where the leaves are yellowing.

Flower Care

1. Keep cool at all times.
2. Strip leaves from the bottom half of each stem and wash thoroughly.
3. Recut at least 2 cm off each stem and place in water immediately.
4. Always use a preservative as this will help buds to open.
5. Replace vase water with fresh preservative every 1 to 2 days.
6. Godetia is very sensitive to ethylene. Keep them away from fruit, car exhausts and cigarette smoke.

Interesting Facts about this Flower

Named after Captain William Clark, the famous US explorer.

Botanical Name: Clarkia amoena

Common Names: Farewell to Spring , Godetia, Satin flower

Stem Length: 30 to 50 cm

Country of Origin: North America

Available Colours: Pink, Purple, White

Season: Winter,Spring

Availability: August,September,October,November