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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 the UK
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
  • Low Maintenance
  • 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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