Fragrant and showy, Oenothera biennis (Common Evening Primrose) is an erect biennial featuring large, bowl-shaped, lemon-scented, yellow flowers, up to 2 in. across (5 cm), at the top of a stiff, purple-tinged flower stem. Blooming profusely from early summer to early fall, the flowers open in the evening and remain open through late morning. They rise on leafy, branched stems from a basal rosette of oblong, long medium green leaves. This Evening Primrose completes its life cycle in 2 years, its basal leaves becoming established the first year, while flowering occurs the second year. The seeds stay, however, and germinate if the soil is disturbed. The whole plant is edible: the leaves can be cooked as green vegetables and the flowers make beautiful salad garnish!

A valuable plant for its ability to grow in poor soils and tolerate drought. Provides a bold splash of color in the summer garden..

• Winter hardy, this perennial plant grows 3-5 ft. tall (90-150 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm). May spread by self-seeding in a somewhat weedy fashion.
• Best in full sun in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates gravelly or sandy soils, drought and light shade.
• Great choice for prairies and meadows, wildflower gardens or naturalized areas. May be planted in beds, borders.
• No serious insect or disease issues. Watch for leaf spot and powdery mildew.
• Deer resistant, this plant attracts bees, birds and butterflies. The flowers are fertilized by night-flying moths which are attracted by their lemon fragrance and by bees in the morning before closure. The seeds are important as bird feed.
• Propagate by seed sown in early summer. Cut back after flowering.
• This perennial wildflower is native throughout Canada and the U. S. except for Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado and Arizona.