sundrops
Oenothera fruticosa 'Summer Solstice'
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Minimum
Propagation:
Cutting,Division,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 9
Flowers:
Yellow Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Sundrops (Oenothera fruticosa 'Summer Solstice') should be watered deeply twice a week in the early morning. You should water the soil until it's moist a few inches below the surface of the soil. Allow the top inch or 2 of soil to dry out between waterings in order to avoid root rot and other water-related problems. During hot summer months you may need to water your sundrops 3 times a week.
sunlight
Sundrops thrive best in full sun, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They will tolerate some shade but not too much, as they are full sun plants. They will benefit from afternoon shade in hot climates, but even then, the plant should get about 4-6 hours of direct sun each day. Plant them in an area of your garden that gets plenty of sun; the more the better for this fast-growing plant.
pruning
Sundrops (Oenothera fruticosa 'Summer Solstice') should be pruned in late winter or early spring. Pruning should be done annually to encourage fuller and more vigorous growth. Cut back the main stems by up to 1-third of their current height, and thin out excess stems and spindly growth. This will help promote air circulation, prevent disease, and allow the plant to have a more uniform and attractive shape. The center of the plant should also be pruned to encourage air circulation. If the plant is allowed to become overly large and woody, it may require more drastic pruning to stimulate new growth. As a rule of thumb, it is best to prune only what is necessary.
