Oenothera stricta
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
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Blue | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green Blue | ||
| Autumn | Yellow | Green Blue | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Onagraceae
- Native to the UK
- 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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