About

A compact, clump-forming perennial to around 50cm high with upright to arching stems bearing lance-shaped, green leaves flushed purple when young. White, star-shaped flowers are borne on wand-like spikes form early summer into 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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

CultivationBest grown in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, but dry soils and partial shade tolerated
PruningRemove spent flowering stalks. Cut back plants in early spring
PropagationPropagate by basal cuttings or softwood cuttings in spring or semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free