Biennial | Oenothera biennis (Evening Primrose)

Plant Info

Oenothera biennis, commonly known as Common Evening Primrose, is a North American native biennial that produces bright yellow, lightly fragrant flowers from early summer into fall. The blooms open in the evening and remain open until the following day, attracting night flying moths as well as bees and other pollinators. In its first year, the plant forms a low rosette of leaves before sending up tall flowering stems in its second year. It is easy to grow, tolerates poor soils and drought once established, and readily self-seeds in favourable conditions. Evening Primrose is also valued for its seeds, which are the source of evening primrose oil used in herbal products (always do your own research before using plants medicinally). 

Growing Info

Mature height: 3 feet

Mature spread: 1 foot

Watering needs: Low to moderate; prefers well-drained soil and is drought tolerant once established. Water deeply and infrequently while the plant establishes. 

Sunlight requirements: Full Sun (6+ hours of sun)

Canadian Hardiness Zone: 3-8

Culture

This plant is grown in a soiless media in a 3.5" pot. When planting, do not plant any deeper than how the plant is in it's pot. When mulching, do not put mulch all the way up to the plant, make a "bowl" shape in your mulch around the plant.