About

This compact, bushy mound-forming perennial with young foliage edged red maturing to a solid dark green. Red buds open to starry soft-pink and white flowers from June through to October.

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
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

CultivationBest grown in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun; but dry soils and partial shade tolerated
PruningCutting back in spring will encourage denser, bushier habit. Cutting back after flowering encourages a second flush lasting into autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed in pots in a cold frame from spring to early summer or propagate by basal cuttings or softwood cuttings in spring or semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free