Oenothera aka Evening Primroses

Taxonomy

Oenothera, also known as evening primrose, is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants native to the Americas. With approximately 145 species, it is the type genus of the Onagraceae family. Commonly referred to as suncups or sundrops, Oenothera is distinct from true primroses. One notable variety is the 'Crown Imperial', a clump-forming perennial reaching a height of 40-50cm. It features broad basal leaves, glossy green stem leaves, and clusters of vibrant yellow, bowl-shaped flowers that resemble a small crown imperial fritillary. Despite its striking appearance, the flowers are sterile and do not produce seeds. Another noteworthy Oenothera is the Lemon Drop variety, highly recommended for its long blooming period, low maintenance requirements, and drought tolerance. This easy-to-grow plant showcases dark green foliage and a trailing habit, making it suitable for combination planters or hanging baskets. However, it should be noted that Lemon Drop Oenothera is considered invasive in Sacramento County, California.

Common names

Evening Primroses

How to care for Evening Primroses

Difficulty

Caring for Evening Primroses is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Lighting

Evening Primroses requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Evening Primroses is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Evening Primroses to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Region of origin

Evening Primroses’s native range is Europe to Eastern N. America.


More info:
Wikipedia