Oenothera is a genus of about 145 species of herbaceous flowering plants in the family Onagraceae. They are native to the Americas. The Common names of the members of the genus include Evening Primrose, Suncups, and Sundrops. They are not closely related to the true Primroses (genus Primula).
The species vary in size from small alpine plants up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall to vigorous lowland species growing up to 10 feet (3 m). The leaves form a basal rosette at ground level and spiral up to the flowering stems. The blades are dentate or deeply lobed. The flowers of many species open in the evening, hence the name "Evening Primrose." They may open in under a minute. Most species have yellow flowers, but some have white, purple, pink, or red. Most native desert species are white. One of the most distinctive features of the flower is the stigma, which has four branches in an X shape.
Growing Conditions and General Care
Oenothera plants can be propagated by dividing established clumps between the spring and the fall. Softwood cuttings may be struck in late spring. Easy to grow Oenothera seeds can be sown directly in the garden in late summer or early fall or planted early in the spring.
Just cover the tiny seeds, and germinate at 65° to 70°F (18° to 21°C). Seeds require darkness to break dormancy. Space plants 5 to 9 inches (13 to 23 cm) apart. Plant it in light, well-drained soil with a pH of around 5.5 to 7.0. Sandy soil works well for this plant.
Oenothera is tolerant of dry and is a good candidate for xeriscaping. The foliage can be robust in really fertile soil, but fewer flowers form. Top dress it with fully composted manure in the spring. Provide irrigation during long hot spells, and cut the plants back by a third after flowering to keep them looking neat. Warm summer weather may cause the plants to stop flowering briefly. Powdery mildew sometimes appears in humid conditions.
Links
- Back to genus Oenothera
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin