About

This short-lived perennial with linear, toothed leaves borne on upright, deep red stems that are topped in summer by tight clusters of aromatic yellow-orange flowers to 2.5cm across that darken to orange-red shades with age.

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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower

Care notes

CultivationGrow in an average to rich, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf spot, powdery mildews and downy mildews; root rot may be a problem in rich, wet, heavy soil. Generally disease-free