Five spot california wildflower

This little gem is a wildflower that will grow like crazy after the rains in an area that gets at least a little dappled shade. If you want a low growing flower for under native oaks or near a shaded rocky outcropping, this one is a charmer. The purple spots on each petal give it its name and as the flower ages, it forms an intricate pattern of purple stripes and dots on inside of the white petals. Although this is only an annual, if it is happy it will re-seed each year forming a whole colony of color. The plant is native to California and needs no special care. It will grow between 6″ and 10″ and will extend its blooming season a little with some light watering. If you can find them, they should be planted at this time of the year. Otherwise, plan on planting seed heavily at the end of next autumn or in the winter. Once it gets baking hot, the flowers will bloom on and off, but it will be too late (or early) for planting. These are related to another Nemophila, “Baby Blue Eyes”. The latter is often seen in shady places when you take hillside walks. “Baby Blue Eyes” have slightly smaller china blue open cup shaped flowers and have the same cultural needs as the Five Spots. Both make perfect California native wildflowers for the garden or for open areas.

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