Overview
Oenothera tetragona is a perennial in the genus Oenothera, part of the Onagraceae family. Oenothera tetragona grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildlife garden and borders. It is native to eastern North 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 tetragona, the glaucous evening primrose, is a perennial in the genus Oenothera native to eastern North America. As a member of the Onagraceae family it brings a sustained display across the summer months, flowering from June to September, and produces a mild fragrance while in bloom. Choose a site with full sun or light afternoon shade and a soil that combines good drainage with some moisture retention — heavy waterlogging should be avoided. Hardiness rating H7 means plants tolerate UK winter conditions outdoors without protection. Regularly check that the rootzone remains evenly moist rather than bone dry to support continuous flowering. In British gardens it fits where a longer-season summer presence is needed: mixed borders and wildlife-oriented plantings are both suitable. Use it where its extended flowering can bridge mid-summer into early autumn; its mildly scented flowers contribute to summer borders without demanding specialist care.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Oenothera
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil moisture
- moist
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Oenothera tetragona size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- wildlife garden, borders
- Native to
- eastern North America
- Fragrance
- mild
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Oenothera tetragona
- Propagation
- seed
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Oenothera tetragona?
Oenothera tetragona prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Oenothera tetragona need?
Oenothera tetragona grows best in well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
Is Oenothera tetragona hardy in the UK?
Oenothera tetragona has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Oenothera tetragona?
Seed.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Oenothera genus
- Oenothera fruticosa 'Michelle Ploeger'Narrowleaf Evening Primrose
- Oenothera missouriensisMissouri evening primrose
- Oenothera odorataPrimrose
- 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)
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