Overview
Oenothera odorata is a perennial in the genus Oenothera, part of the Onagraceae family. It typically grows around 0.9 m tall. Oenothera odorata grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to South America.
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 odorata belongs to the genus Oenothera and is native to South America; it forms herbaceous perennial stems to around 0.9 m. The plant is notable for its fragrant summer flowering, which runs from June to September. In the UK it is classed H7, meaning it is fully hardy in standard garden conditions, and it also corresponds to USDA zones 4–8. Plant in a sunny, sheltered position with good drainage: sandy or loamy soils are ideal. The species prefers soil that remains moist but drains freely; avoid sites that hold water. Position plants where they receive full sun through the day, and allow space for the stems to develop to roughly 0.9 m when mature. In a UK garden Oenothera odorata works well towards the middle or rear of a sunny herbaceous border or in a gravel/sunny bed where drainage is reliable. Its scented summer flowers make it useful where fragrance is wanted close to seating or pathways, and the mature height guides spacing between neighbouring perennials and grasses. Expect the principal flowering display to occur between June and September on established plants.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Oenothera
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Oenothera odorata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Height
- 0.9 m
- Native to
- South America
- Fragrance
- Fragrant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Oenothera odorata?
Oenothera odorata prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Oenothera odorata need?
Oenothera odorata grows best in sandy and loamy soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How big does Oenothera odorata grow?
Oenothera odorata reaches a height of 0.9 m.
Is Oenothera odorata hardy in the UK?
Oenothera odorata has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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More in the Oenothera genus
- Oenothera fruticosa 'Michelle Ploeger'Narrowleaf Evening Primrose
- Oenothera missouriensisMissouri evening primrose
- Oenothera tetragonaglaucous evening primrose
- Oenothera tetragona 'Fyrverkeri'Evening Primrose
- Oenothera tetragona 'Lady Brookborough'Primrose
- Oenothera tetragona 'Yellow River'Evening Primrose
- Gaura lindheirmeri 'Cool Breeze'
- Oenothera lindheimeri Baby Butterfly Dark Pink ('Uriblbp'PBR) (G)