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Oenothera biennis

evening primrose

Perfect for pollinators
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Evening primroses are prized for their ephemeral flowers that open at night and fade by dawn, and for their delicate fragrance that fills the air at dusk. The bowl-shaped, pale yellow flowers which appear on tall spikes from June to September seem to glow as the light fades and age to dark golden-yellow.

Oenothera biennis are happiest in a sunny, well-drained border or wildlife garden, and as the name suggests, are biennial. The flowers are an important source of nectar for bees and other insects and the seeds are used commercially for making evening primrose oil.

How to care for Oenothera biennis:

Evening primrose is best planted in a sunny position with well-drained soil, ideally in spring or autumn. Water well after planting to help the roots establish. Once established, this hardy biennial is low maintenance and drought tolerant, requiring only occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.

Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings and avoid overfeeding, as rich soil can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage a longer flowering period, or leave seed heads in place if you want the plant to self-seed naturally.

In autumn, cut back old growth once it has finished flowering, and remove any unwanted seedlings in spring as it can spread freely in suitable conditions.
Flowering period:
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Eventual height:
1.5m
Eventual spread:
0.6m
Position:

Full sun

Rate of growth:

Average

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

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