About
This hairy annual or biennial usually grown as a binennial, to 1.5m, with a large basal rosette of slightly sticky, oblong red-veined mid-green leaves and long, leafy racemes of bowl-shaped, scented, yellow flowers which open in the evening in summer and autumn; evening primrose oil produced from seeds.
About the genus
Oenothera can be annuals, biennials or perennials, upright or spreading in habit, with simple or lobed leaves and bowl-shaped, white, yellow or pink flowers over a long period in summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in early summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and a leaf spot