Overview
Oenothera tetragona fraseri is a perennial in the genus Oenothera, part of the Onagraceae family. Oenothera tetragona fraseri grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders and wildlife gardens. It is native to eastern North America.
About
Oenothera tetragona fraseri is a perennial in the Onagraceae (evening primrose) that flowers in the UK from June to September and carries a mild scent. It prefers a sunny or partly shaded spot in well-drained neutral to alkaline soil and moderate moisture. Fully hardy in the UK (H7), it is suited to outdoor borders and wildlife gardens. Plants characteristically provide a summer-long sequence of blooms rather than a single brief flush.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Oenothera tetragona
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 fraseri belongs to the evening primrose family (Onagraceae) and is native to eastern North America; in the UK it flowers from June to September and the blooms have a mild fragrance. As a perennial it returns each year and performs best in a position with full sun or partial shade. Choose well-drained soil with a neutral to alkaline reaction and average moisture; avoid waterlogged sites. The plant is rated H7, which means it is fully hardy and will withstand typical UK winter conditions when given a free-draining rooting site. Planting in a sheltered gap within a border helps moderate exposure on exposed clay banks. Use Oenothera tetragona fraseri towards the middle or rear of mixed borders or in wildlife-focused areas where summer flowering is wanted. It complements other summer perennials and its mild-scented flowers extend interest through the summer months, from June to September.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Oenothera
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- medium
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Oenothera tetragona fraseri size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, wildlife gardens
- Native to
- eastern North America
- Fragrance
- mild
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Oenothera tetragona fraseri
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates dry conditions once established.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
- Propagation
- Seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Oenothera tetragona fraseri?
Prefers well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates dry conditions once established.
Where is the best place to plant Oenothera tetragona fraseri?
Oenothera tetragona fraseri prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Oenothera tetragona fraseri need?
Oenothera tetragona fraseri grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays medium.
How do I prune Oenothera tetragona fraseri?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Is Oenothera tetragona fraseri hardy in the UK?
Oenothera tetragona fraseri 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 fraseri?
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)