Quick Guide: summer, hardy, full sun, height: 30-60cm/12-24in, width: 15cm/6in
These Californian natives produce brightly coloured flowers for the summer border or for cutting. The plants are compact, with mid-green, pointed leaves, and bear trumpet-shaped blooms of red, cerise, peach or pink, often edged with white. The best known species, Godetia amonea whitneyi, syn. G. grandiflora, is often listed under clarkia in gardening catalogues.
PROPAGATION Sow seeds outside in spring if they are to flower the same year. Thin seedlings to 15cm/6in apart. Sow in early autumn for flowering the following year. Protect with cloches in colder areas and do not thin the plants until the spring.
GROWING Godetias do best in light soils. Over-rich soil encourages leaf production at the expense of flowers.
VARIETIES 'Azalea-flowered Mixed', semi-double flowers with frilled petals; `Sybil Sherwood', salmon pink; `Crimson Glow', dwarf variety; `Double White', large white flowers with golden eve.
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Stem and root rot may cause the plants to collapse.
