Overview
Oenothera missouriensis is a perennial in the genus Oenothera, part of the Onagraceae family. Oenothera missouriensis grows best in full sun, and tolerates calcareous and well-drained soils and alkaline pH. Suggested uses include rock gardens, xeriscaping and wildflower gardens. It is native to south-central United States and northeast Mexico.
About
Oenothera missouriensis is a perennial in the evening primrose family native to the south-central United States and northeast Mexico and noted for summer flowering. It flowers from June to September. The plant performs best in full sun on south-facing, open sites with calcareous, well-drained, alkaline soils and tolerates dry to medium soil moisture. Suitable uses include rock gardens, xeriscaping and wildflower plantings where lime-rich ground is available.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Oenothera macrocarpa
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
In the garden
Oenothera missouriensis belongs to the Onagraceae and originates from south-central USA and northeast Mexico, where it grows on calcareous prairie and limestone outcrops. In the UK it is grown as a perennial for sunny, open spots and a pronounced liking for alkaline, well-drained soils. Position plants in full sun on a south-facing exposure and avoid heavy, waterlogged ground; adding sharp grit or a limestone-based amendment will improve drainage and match the plant's preference for calcareous conditions. Soil moisture should be kept in the dry to medium range rather than consistently wet. This primrose suits rock gardens, xeriscaped borders and naturalistic wildflower schemes planted into lime-rich substrates. Space plants where they have open exposure so air circulates around the crowns; that reduces the risk of prolonged damp at ground level. Expect the flowering period to run from June to September, providing a clear summer window of bloom that complements other lime-loving perennials in a sunny border.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Oenothera
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- calcareous, well-drained
- Soil pH
- alkaline
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- open
Plant details
Oenothera missouriensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- rock gardens, xeriscaping, wildflower gardens
- Native to
- south-central United States, northeast Mexico
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Oenothera missouriensis
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained calcareous soils; drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers to encourage blooming
- Propagation
- seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Oenothera missouriensis?
Prefers well-drained calcareous soils; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Oenothera missouriensis?
Oenothera missouriensis prefers full sun. It suits open positions.
What soil does Oenothera missouriensis need?
Oenothera missouriensis grows best in calcareous and well-drained soil. It prefers alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Oenothera missouriensis?
Remove spent flowers to encourage blooming.
How do I propagate Oenothera missouriensis?
Seed, division.
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)