Scientific Name
Oenothera suffrutescens (Ser.) W. L. Wagner & Hoch
Common Name(s)
Scarlet Gaura, Scarlet Beeblossom, Wild Honeysuckle
Synonym(s)
Gaura suffrutescens, Gaura coccinea, Gaura odorata
Scientific Classification
Family: Onagraceae
Subfamily: Onagroideae
Tribe: Onagreae
Genus: Oenothera
Flower
Color: White, pink, red
Bloom Time: April to June
Description
Oenothera suffrutescens is an erect perennial herb that grows from a woody base and heavy roots. The stems may reach a height of inches (10 cm). They are often covered in tiny, stiff hairs. The clumps of stems are covered in linear to somewhat oval-shaped, up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long leaves.
The top stems are spike inflorescences of several flowers each. The flower has four long stiff sepals that open and fall away from the flower to lie reflexed toward the stem. The four spoon-shaped petals are white to yellowish and may turn pink with age. Each flower has eight long stamens with large red, pink, or yellowish anthers arranged around a long stigma. Fruits are woody, up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long capsules.
How to Grow and Care
Oenothera plants can be propagated by dividing established clumps in spring or 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 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 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. Hot summer weather may cause the plants to stop flowering briefly. Powdery mildew sometimes appears in humid conditions.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Oenothera.
Origin
Oenothera suffrutescens is native to North America.
Links
- Back to genus Oenothera
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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