Farewell-to-Spring (Clarkia amoena), fam. Onagraceae.
An ornamental plant. It has been found for the first time in one of the garden beds in Novorosiiska street in June 2016. It is related to Evening Primrose; the main difference is the color and shape of the flowers, though some evening primrose species also have pink flowers. Besides, Clarkia is an annual plant, and only in a greenhouse it can survive winter if sown in autumn.
Clarkia is relatively cold-resistant, but loves plenty of light, and it is best to plant it in open space. It is also demanding for proper soil conditions. Clarkia grows best in loose, humid, slightly acid, and not too fertile soil (exactly as it is in DVRZ suburb in Kyiv). To have it bloom early (in June), the seedlings can be planted in advance; otherwise, its blooming will only start in July or August. Clarkias are propagated from their tiny seeds, collected after fruit (brown capsules) ripening in early autumn.