About
An upright, clump-forming herbaceous perennial 40-50cm high with broad basal leaves and narrow, glossy, lime green stem leaves, green stems topped by clusters of flowers so that the plant looks like a small crown imperial fritillary, and flowers opening from red buds into large, bowl-shaped, vibrant yellow flowers from midsummer; the flowers are sterile so it does not self-seed.
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
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Prairie planting, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poor to moderately fertile, very well-drained soil, even stony soil, in full sun
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by internodal one-leaf softwood cuttings of unflowered shoots from late spring to midsummer, or by division in early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf spot, powdery mildews and downy mildews; root rot may be a problem in rich, wet, heavy soil. Generally disease-free