About
A herbaceous perennial about 30cm high, with creeping rhizomes, basal rosettes of oblong-lance-shaped to lance-shaped mid-green leaves, 2.5-5cm long, which have large triangular teeth or are pinnatifid, arching stems with slightly smaller leaves, and saucer-shaped flowers, up to 8cm across, which open white in the day and become pale pink in the evening, from early summer to early autumn; it is occasionally invasive.
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
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitSuckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Prairie planting
Native toUSA, Mexico
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poor to only moderately fertile, very well-drained soil, even stony soil, in full sun
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in early spring, or by division in early spring, or by softwood cuttings of unflowered shoots from late spring to midsummer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free but may be susceptible to leaf spot, powdery mildews and downy mildews; may be susceptible to root rot in rich, wet, heavy soil