Overview
Oenothera tetragona 'Yellow River' is a perennial in the genus Oenothera, part of the Onagraceae family. Oenothera tetragona 'Yellow River' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders and wildlife gardens. It is native to eastern North America.
About
Oenothera tetragona 'Yellow River' is a perennial in the Onagraceae family that flowers from June to September. It originates from eastern North America and carries a mild floral scent. Plant it in full sun or partial shade where soil is well drained and neutral to alkaline. It is rated H5 (hardy) for UK gardens and suits borders and wildlife areas.
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 'Yellow River' is a herbaceous perennial in the evening-primrose family, brought to gardens from eastern North America. It produces summer blooms between June and September and carries a mild fragrance that is noticeable when close to the flowers. The cultivar name identifies it within the species and is useful when sourcing plants. Provide a sunny to part-shade position and a freely draining soil with a neutral to alkaline pH; the plant prefers a moderate soil moisture rather than waterlogged ground. It is rated H5 — described as hardy in UK terms — so it will survive normal winter conditions in most garden situations where soil does not remain sodden. Situate where roots can drain freely and choose a spot with some shelter from prolonged wet. Use Oenothera tetragona 'Yellow River' towards the middle or rear of a mixed border or within a wildlife-focused planting where summer flowers are required. Its June–September flowering window gives reliable midsummer to early-autumn interest, and the mild-scented blooms reward close inspection rather than filling a whole garden with perfume.
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
- H5
Plant details
Oenothera tetragona 'Yellow River' 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 'Yellow River'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates drought 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 'Yellow River'?
Prefers well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates drought once established.
Where is the best place to plant Oenothera tetragona 'Yellow River'?
Oenothera tetragona 'Yellow River' prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Oenothera tetragona 'Yellow River' need?
Oenothera tetragona 'Yellow River' grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays medium.
How do I prune Oenothera tetragona 'Yellow River'?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Is Oenothera tetragona 'Yellow River' hardy in the UK?
Oenothera tetragona 'Yellow River' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Oenothera tetragona 'Yellow River'?
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)