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Herbaceous PerennialSynonym

Oenothera tetragona
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

glaucous evening primrose

An herbaceous perennial to 80cm, with erect stems bearing smooth, ovate, glaucous leaves, reddish when young, and terminal racemes of light yellow flowers 3-5cm wide from late spring to late summer

Synonyms
Oenothera tetragona 'Sundrops'
Oenothera fruticosa subsp. glauca 'Sundrops'
see moreOenothera tetragona var. fraseri
Oenothera cinaeus
Oenothera tetragona
Oenothera fraseri
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Onagraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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

Correct

Plant range
E N America

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by division in early spring or after flowering in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

Slugs and snails may be a problem

Diseases

Leaf spot and powdery mildew may be a problem

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