Oenothera biennis
common evening primrose
A hairy annual or biennial usually grown as a binennial, to 1.5m, with a large basal rosette of slightly sticky, oblong red-veined mid-green leaves and long, leafy racemes of bowl-shaped, fragrant, yellow flowers which open in the evening in summer and autumn; evening primrose oil produced from seeds
Other common names
coffee plantfever plant
see morefield primrose
four o'clock
German rampion
large rampion
night willowherb
scabbish
scurvish
wild four o'clock
cure-all
Synonyms
Oenothera odorata Hook. & Arn.Oenothera stucchii
see moreOenothera rubricaulis
Oenothera glabra Miller
Oenothera pycnocarpa
Oenothera paradoxa
Oenothera ersteinensis
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
°Â±ð±ô±ô–d°ù²¹¾±²Ô±ð»åpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Gold Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or °Â±ð²õ³Ù–f²¹³¦¾±²Ô²µ
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Onagraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews and a leaf spot
Oenothera biennis
common evening primrose
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