Oenothera biennis (Common Evening Primrose)

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 in the first year, while flowering occurs in 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.
• A great choice for prairies and meadows, wildflower gardens, or naturalized areas. May be planted in beds, and borders.
• No serious insect or disease issues. Watch for leaf spots 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.
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