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Herbaceous Perennial

Oenothera fruticosa 'African Sun'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

evening primrose 'African Sun'

A herbaceous perennial up to 60cm high with a rounded, compact habit, narrow green leaves and yellow flowers, open during the day, from early summer to early autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Yellow Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Onagraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Oenothera can be annuals, biennials or perennials, upright or spreading in habit, with simple or lobed leaves and bowl-shaped, white, yellow or pink flowers over a long period in summer

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by division in early spring, or by softwood cuttings of unflowered shoots from late spring to midsummer; propagation for resale is prohibited without a licence

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to leaf spot, powdery mildews and downy mildews; root rot may be a problem in rich, wet, heavy soil. Generally disease-free

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