Species common evening primrose
yellow flowers with reddish-green ovate leaves, and reddish-green buds

common evening primrose

Oenothera biennis

Common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a tall, upright wildflower native to North America and Europe. It has long, lance-shaped leaves and yellow blossoms with four petals that open at night and close during the day. Each flower is cup-shaped and clustered in bunches at the top of the stem. Its stems and leaves are covered in fine hairs giving it a silvery sheen. Common evening primrose is traditionally used to soothe anxiety and promote relaxation. The plant is often utilized to make an herbal tea that acts as a sleep aid. The primrose's seeds can be eaten, utilized in herbal medicine, and are sometimes pressed for their oil. In the garden, common evening primrose makes a stunning addition due to its bright colors, long blooming period, and unique blooming pattern.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Sandy Loamy Rocky

Fruits:

green,brown,black Fruits In Summer Ready In Summer

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Common evening primrose should be watered every 2 to 3 days when the soil is dry to the touch. Water should be applied to the entire area of the soil, as opposed to just around the roots, and should be generous enough for the water to travel down to at least 6 inches below the surface. Soaking the soil with a generous amount of water will also help to ensure that any moisture that has drained away in the past will be replaced. Be sure to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Too much water can cause root rot.

sunlight

Common evening primrose requires direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day for proper growth and flowering. The best exposure for them is full sun during the morning and some shade in the afternoon, to avoid the harsh sunlight during the day. Common evening primrose can thrive in temperatures ranging from 45°F (7°C) to 80°F (26°C). In winter, the blooms may last a little longer with the cooler temperatures, but the best growth and flowering happens in the warmer months of the year.

pruning

Common evening primrose should be pruned after the flowering season has ended, usually in late summer or early fall, when the plant has gone dormant. Pruning should be done carefully, removing only the flowering stems to promote new growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood. If the plant has become too large or is in need of shaping, thin out some of the branches to open up the interior of the plant and allow more light to reach it. Pruning should only be done as needed.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Common evening primrose typically starts flowering in May.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Oenothera biennis typically begins in July and continues through August.

Hardiness Map