Description
Oenothera fruiticosa
CT P
Soil: Acidic, Moderately fertile, Well-drained
Light: Full Sun
Moisture: Average to Dry
Plant Height: 1 to 3 feet
Plant Width: 1 to 1.5 feet
Pests: None
Landscape Value: Great for hot, dry borders, rock gardens, pollinator gardens, and roadsides. Useful for erosion control on banks.
Showy, clump-forming perennial that flowers during the day, unlike other members of the evening primrose family. Terminal clusters of red buds appear in late spring on leafy, hairy stems that arise from a basal rosette. Buds open to bright yellow flowers; each flower is short-lived, but flowers bloom in succession over a long period. Club-shaped seed capsules form after flowering and persist into fall. If stem foliage withers after flowering, stems may be cut back to the basal rosette. Under favorable conditions, plants spread by short rhizomes (underground stems) to form colonies, but generally do not become aggressive. Good winter drainage is essential. Attracts hummingbirds, songbirds, butterflies, and large numbers of specialized bees. Tolerates poor soil, drought, heat, and black walnut.
Landscape plugs, 2″ wide by 5″ deep, sold in quantities of 5 or 10
Photo credits:
North Carolina State Extension (photo by Leonora Enking & Debbie Roos)
