Clarkia purpurea (Winecup clarkia)

Imagine a delicate wildflower with silky, cup-shaped blooms in shades of rose, magenta, and deep wine, dancing above slender stems—that’s winecup clarkia.

Sow in early spring on soil. (~50 seeds)

Clarkia purpurea (Winecup clarkia) is a low-maintenance, wildlife-supporting native wildflower admired for its elegant flowers and graceful form. Native to western North America, it naturally grows in open woodlands, prairies, grasslands, and dry slopes. Blooming from late spring into early summer, its nectar-rich flowers are especially valuable to native bees during peak nesting season.

Winecup clarkia thrives in full sun to light shade and prefers well-drained soils, including sandy or gravelly ground. It is typically grown as an annual, but it reseeds readily, often returning year after year in a natural, balanced way. Once established, it tolerates dry conditions and requires very little care.

Refined yet resilient, winecup clarkia brings a soft, meadow-like elegance to gardens while playing an important role in supporting native pollinators.

🌿 What makes it special

Its silky, four-petaled, cup-shaped flowers are rich in pollen and perfectly shaped for native bees.

🐝 Who loves it

Native bees (especially small solitary bees), butterflies, and other beneficial insects

🌎 Where it belongs

Open meadows, prairies, grasslands, woodland edges, and sunny slopes with good drainage. It is self-seeding and non-aggressive.

Best Places to Plant It

🌾 Pollinator strips and habitat corridors
🌼 Native wildflower meadows
☀️ Sunny to lightly shaded garden beds
🐝 Bee-friendly garden zones near nesting habitat
🌿 Naturalistic or cottage-style landscapes

If you’re aiming for a graceful native wildflower that supports pollinators and blends beautifully into meadow-style plantings, winecup clarkia is an excellent choice.