Description
Certainly not inconspicuous, the ordinary evening primrose is. It typically reaches a height of 80 to 180 cm, towering over many of its verdant neighbors. Nothing is different below ground; its fleshy taproot can spread out as far below as the plant can reach. But none of that is evident in the first year.
Habitat
A species of flowering plant in the Onagraceae family, Oenothera biennis, is native to eastern and central North America, ranging from Newfoundland west to Alberta, southeast to Florida, and southwest to Texas. It has also been widely naturalized in temperate and subtropical regions worldwide.
Uses
Supplemental evening primrose oil is recommended for rheumatoid arthritis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), breast pain, menopause symptoms, and atopic dermatitis (a form of eczema). Applying cosmetics to the skin can also contain evening primrose oil.
Varieties
The most well-known variety is Oenothera biennis, but we’ve gathered some others that you might find fascinating as well:
Evening primrose with large flowers (Oenothera glazioviana): This cultivar can grow up to two meters tall and is widely distributed. It has somewhat bigger flowers than the other evening primroses. The key distinction is seen in the crimson buds and red-dotted stem, though.
Oenothera fruticosa/Oenothera tetragona, narrow-leaf evening primrose or narrow-leaved sundrop: Although the flowers are branchy rather than straight and upright, they have the same brilliant golden appearance of an evening primrose. Narrow-leaved sundrops can grow up to 70 cm tall flower stalks.
Oenothera speciosa, often known as pink lady or pink evening primrose, has a very different appearance. It becomes wider than taller as it grows. It can only get as big as 30 centimeters. The blossoms turn pink from white. Regrettably, this species spreads quickly and is hard to control.
Oenothera macrocarpa, often known as Bigfruit evening primrose or Missouri evening primrose, is a small, 30 cm-tall species that is ideal for alpine or rock gardens. It produces a thick, verdant carpet of yellow blossoms.
Plant Care
- Light
Evening primrose truly likes sunshine, despite popular belief that it is a night-blooming plant, ideal for moon gardens. It needs to be planted in a location where it receives six to eight hours of warm sunlight per day, either in full sun or some shade.
- Soil
Well-drained soil is another essential component of a successful evening primrose garden. Nevertheless, the soil should continue to hold moisture; it shouldn’t get soggy. To assist maintain the roots’ coolness during the summer, think about covering the soil with a thick layer of mulch. Even on sandy, stony soil, evening primroses can thrive.
- Water
Growing in particularly hot climates during the summer, evening primrose will require slightly more water. It thrives best with regular, appropriate irrigation. On the other hand, any yellowing or browning on the plant’s numerous leaves is a dead giveaway that your evening primrose is receiving too much water and is probably afflicted with a fungal infection or root rot.
- Temperature and Humidity
Evening primrose actually prefers to be cold rather than warm, even though it develops and blooms most effectively in late summer. For the plant to flower successfully in the summer, it must establish roots and foliage during the chilly early spring months. Early in its life, a plant exposed to excessive heat may become lanky or take on the look of a weed.
- Fertilizer
Your evening primrose care routine doesn’t need fertilizer; it can grow just well without the extra nutrients. However, you can add some organic material to your mixture to improve it if you are dealing with very poor soil.
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