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Herbaceous Perennial

Oenothera stricta
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

fragrant evening primrose

An upright, short-lived perennial with lance-shaped, bluish-green leaves to 15cm long forming a basal rosette. Leafy, upright flowering stems to 90cm tall bear scented, yellow flowers to 2.5cm across that open in the evening

Synonyms
Oenothera odorata misapplied
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Blue
Summer Yellow Green Blue
Autumn Yellow Green Blue
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Onagraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
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
Chile to S Argentina, Desventurados Islands

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in an open position in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Coastal
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to powdery mildews and a leaf spot and susceptible to root rot in heavy, wet soils

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