About

An erect biennial, to 1.5m tall, with a basal rosette of crinkly, oval leaves and, in the second year, terminal clusters of bowl-shaped, pale yellow flowers, which open from red buds, in the evening in summer and autumn.

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 typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

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, Coastal, Gravel garden, Wildflower meadow

Care notes

CultivationGrow in an open position 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