Overview
Oenothera caespitosa is a suckering herbaceous perennial in the genus Oenothera, part of the Onagraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Oenothera caespitosa grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, prairie planting, low maintenance, banks and slopes and flower borders and beds.
About
Oenothera cespitosa, known commonly as tufted evening-primrose or fragrant evening-primrose, is a perennial plant of the genus Oenothera native to western North America from the western edge of the Great Plains and all parts of the Intermountain West in a wide range of dry habitats. Its flowers are open at night and fade by the next day. The species is cultivated in gardens, particularly in its native range. Grow it in full sun and loam soil. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). It works well for city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, prairie planting, low maintenance, banks and slopes and flower borders and beds. It tolerates neutral soils, well-drained conditions and south-facing aspects. Plant after last frost in fertile soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Oenothera cespitosa
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Oenothera
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Oenothera caespitosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Suckering
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Prairie planting, Low Maintenance, Banks and slopes, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Oenothera caespitosa
- Propagation
- Seed sown in containers in a cold frame in early spring, Division in early spring, Softwood cuttings of unflowered shoots from late spring to midsummer
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Leaf spot, Powdery mildews, Downy mildews, Root rot in rich, wet, heavy soil
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Oenothera caespitosa?
Oenothera caespitosa prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Oenothera caespitosa need?
Oenothera caespitosa grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Oenothera caespitosa hardy in the UK?
Oenothera caespitosa has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Oenothera caespitosa?
Seed sown in containers in a cold frame in early spring, Division in early spring, Softwood cuttings of unflowered shoots from late spring to midsummer.
More in the Oenothera genus
- Oenothera deltoidesdesert evening primrose
- Oenothera lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies' (G)gaura 'Whirling Butterflies'
- Oenothera subterminalis
- Gaura lindheirmeri 'Cool Breeze'