Oenothera fruticosa
Sundrops
A tough and reliable perennial, well-suited to hot dry sites. The stems of Oenothera fruticosa are thin, hairy, and reddish with similar leaves. The buds begin as red but open into beautiful bright yellow flowers in early summer. Easy, dependable, a strong grower that can spread a bit, particularly in sandy soils. Great color for a meadow! Native to dry soil, open fields, and open woods from Nova Scotia to Florida.
Height18-24 Inches |
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Spread2 Feet |
Bloom Color
YellowUSDA Hardiness Zone 4-9
Interesting Notes
Oenothera comes from the Greek "Oïnos", wine and "ther", wild animal : for the Ancients, it designated a plant the roots of which, soaked in wine, would have enabled to tame wild beasts. According to the following German saying of the 18th century : "a pound of the root of evening primrose gives more strength than a quintal of beef", the root of evening primrose was thought to be very nutritive. The Amerindians used it differently : they used it to rub their moccasins before hunting, to mask their smell and get closer to the animals. One of the magic powers of evening primrose was actually to make hunters lucky.
Growing and Maintenance Tips
O. fruticosa performs best in full sun to light shade in light and sandy soil. A vigorous sprawling clump habit. Cut back foliage to promote a new flush of growth, to prolong flowering season. Propagate by division, softwood cuttings or seed in early summer. A wonderful addition to borders and perennial beds.
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