Overview
Oenothera lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies' (G) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Oenothera, part of the Onagraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Oenothera lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies' (G) grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.
About
Oenothera lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Onagraceae family. This deciduous plant typically grows to between 0.5 and 1 metre in height with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring south- or west-facing aspects, and tolerates both exposed and sheltered conditions. Suitable for chalk, loam, or sand soils with a range of pH levels, it prefers moist but well-drained to well-drained soil. Its season of interest spans spring, summer, and autumn.
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, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Oenothera lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies' (G) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Oenothera lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies' (G)
- Propagation
- Seed sown in early summer, Division in early spring, Softwood cuttings from late spring to midsummer
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Leaf spot, Downy mildews, Root rot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Oenothera lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies' (G)?
Oenothera lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies' (G) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Oenothera lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies' (G) need?
Oenothera lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies' (G) is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Oenothera lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies' (G) grow?
Oenothera lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies' (G) reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Oenothera lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies' (G) hardy in the UK?
Oenothera lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies' (G) 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 lindheimeri 'Whirling Butterflies' (G)?
Seed sown in early summer, Division in early spring, Softwood cuttings from late spring to midsummer.
More in the Oenothera genus
- Oenothera fruticosa 'Michelle Ploeger'Narrowleaf Evening Primrose
- Gaura lindheirmeri 'Cool Breeze'
- Oenothera lindheimeri Baby Butterfly Dark Pink ('Uriblbp'PBR) (G)