Overview
Oenothera deltoides is a suckering herbaceous perennial in the genus Oenothera, part of the Onagraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Oenothera deltoides 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 deltoides, commonly known as desert evening primrose or birdcage evening primrose, is a suckering deciduous plant within the Oenothera genus. This genus includes annuals, biennials, and perennials with simple or lobed foliage and bowl-shaped flowers in white, yellow, or pink, which bloom through much of the summer. Oenothera deltoides thrives in full sun on south-facing, sheltered aspects with well-drained, neutral loam soil. It is hardy to UK zone H5 and is suitable for various garden styles including city, coastal, cottage, gravel, prairie, and informal gardens.
About the genus
Oenothera is a genus of about 160 species of herbaceous flowering plants native to the Americas. The genus includes common evening primrose, sundrops and gaura. It is the type genus of the family Onagraceae.
Wikipedia contributors, "Oenothera", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Oenothera
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 deltoides 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 deltoides
- 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 deltoides?
Oenothera deltoides prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Oenothera deltoides need?
Oenothera deltoides grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Oenothera deltoides hardy in the UK?
Oenothera deltoides 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 deltoides?
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.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Oenothera genus
- Oenothera fruticosa 'Michelle Ploeger'Narrowleaf Evening Primrose
- Oenothera missouriensisMissouri evening primrose
- Oenothera odorataPrimrose
- Oenothera tetragonaglaucous evening primrose
- Oenothera tetragona 'Fyrverkeri'Evening Primrose
- Oenothera tetragona 'Lady Brookborough'Primrose
- Oenothera tetragona 'Yellow River'Evening Primrose
- Gaura lindheirmeri 'Cool Breeze'