Oenothera macrocarpa

RHS Plant Profile
Ozark sundrops

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Ozark sundrops RHS 2002
Ozark sundrops RHS

Other common names

Missouri primrose

Synonyms

Oenothera missouriensis
Megapterium missouriense

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Alpine Rockery Herbaceous Perennial
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An herbaceous perennial to 15cm in height, with trailing leafy stems to 30cm in length. Leaves narrowly oblong, with conspicuous silvery midribs; flowers solitary, 10-12cm in width, bright yellow, appearing from late spring to early autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Onagraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Trailing
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
USA, Mexico

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun; ideal for stony soil. Protect from excessive winter wet

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Rock garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Garden edging
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Damage by slugs may be a problem

Diseases

Prone to leaf spots, mildews and root rot