Oenothera laciniata aka Cutleaf Evening Primrose

Taxonomy

Genus Oenothera Family Onagraceae Order Myrtales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Oenothera laciniata, commonly known as cutleaf evening primrose, is a species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family. It is native to the eastern United States, but has been introduced and can be found in many other areas as a noxious weed. This annual or short-lived perennial herb produces a spreading stem from a hairy rosette of deeply cut or lobed leaves. The leaves have a pinnate vein structure and start as a rosette around a taproot, but once stems appear, their leaves will be alternating. The flowers occur in the axils of leaves higher on the stem and have pale to deep yellow petals up to about 2 centimeters long, which fade orange, pink, or red with age. The fruit is a cylindrical capsule up to 5 centimeters in length. Cutleaf evening primroses grow 4-18 inches high, erect or prostrate, and their flowers appear in greater numbers at night since they are mainly moth-pollinated. This plant is also useful and can be grown as a rare houseplant that needs regular watering and well-draining soil.

Common names

Cutleaf Evening Primrose, Cut Leaf Evening Primrose, Ragged Evening Primrose

How to care for Cutleaf Evening Primrose

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Cutleaf Evening Primrose, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Cutleaf Evening Primrose should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Cutleaf Evening Primrose loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Cutleaf Evening Primrose requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Cutleaf Evening Primrose will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Cutleaf Evening Primrose has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

More info:
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More Species in Oenothera Genus

Oenothera perennis Little Evening Primrose

Oenothera triloba Sessile Evening Primrose

Oenothera pilosella Meadow Evening Primrose

Oenothera lavandulifolia Lavenderleaf Sundrops

Oenothera tetraptera Four Wing Evening Primrose

Oenothera elata Hooker's Evening Primrose

Oenothera rubricaulis Oenothera Rubricaulis

Oenothera elata hookeri Hooker's Evening Primrose

Oenothera glaucifolia False Gaura

Oenothera stricta Fragrant Evening Primrose