Species evening primrose
light-yellow flowers with white stamens, purple-peach buds, dark-green leaves and stems

evening primrose

Oenothera 'Lemon Sunset'

Oenothera 'Lemon Sunset' is a hardy plant with fragrant yellow blooms that open in the evening - hence its name evening primrose. Growing up to 2 feet tall, it is an excellent choice for borders, cottage gardens, and naturalized areas. Its foliage is bright green, making it attractive in landscapes, even when the flowers are not in bloom. Hardy in zones 4 to 8, this plant is drought tolerant once established. Prefers well drained soil and full sun. A must-have for many gardens, Lemon Sunset adds beauty and fragrance from late spring until the first frost.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Lemon yellow fading to sunset orange-red Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

The Evening Primrose, or Oenothera 'Lemon Sunset', is a slightly drought-tolerant plant that prefers soil with good drainage. It will benefit from regular watering to encourage blooming. Generally, water Evening Primrose every 2 to 3 days, or longer in hot weather, to keep the soil moist. Adjust frequency and amount of watering accordingly depending on the season, the climate, the temperature, and the size of the plant. Ensure that soil is evenly moist, but not soggy. During the hottest summer months, you may need to water every day. During fall and winter the plant can go longer without water. Always water the plant at the base, not the foliage, and avoid splashing.

sunlight

Evening primrose (Oenothera 'Lemon Sunset') requires about 4-6 hours of full sun exposure per day, which is typically divided into 2 sessions: morning and afternoon sun. However, for best growth and flowering, the evening primrose should receive at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Planting in a spot that receives at least half-day sun is ideal; if not possible, try to select a spot that receives at least 4 hours of full sun daily. Morning sun is best for evening primrose, as it helps to hold the temperature down in the late afternoon, which is beneficial for blooming and maintaining foliage.

pruning

Evening primrose (Oenothera 'Lemon Sunset') should be pruned on a regular basis for optimum growth. Prune in early to mid-spring, before new growth appears, to maintain an attractive shape and size. Ensure a pair of sharp and sterilized pruners are used, and remove dead, dying, and diseased branches back to healthy tissue. This plant needs light to moderate pruning, removing up to 1-third of the stem and flower heads to encourage new growth. If getting too large, prune back the entire plant to roughly half its size. The evening primrose may also require occasional deadheading of spent flowers to encourage continual bloom throughout the growing season.

Season

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

Oenothera 'Lemon Sunset' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Oenothera 'Lemon Sunset' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map