Sundrops
oenothera fruticosa
Also known as: ["Evening Primrose","Fringed Sundrops"]
Overview
A deciduous perennial with bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers that open in the evening and last until midday the next day.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","fragrant flowers"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Onagraceae |
| Genus: | Oenothera |
| Botanical Name: | Oenothera fruticosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: border plantings or rock gardens
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30 to 40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining; avoid heavy, waterlogged soils.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with added compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in early spring; light pruning can be done after flowering if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown, but avoid heavy pruning in late summer.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer blooms.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues in humid conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Full sun is best for blooms; rotate pots for even growth; provide shade during extreme heat.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid overwatering, especially in winter; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil drains well; amend with compost for nutrients; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–9; prefers temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C); can tolerate winter lows to -30°F (-34°C) with proper mulching.
Protect from frost in early spring; avoid placing in drafty areas; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly to avoid excessive foliage growth; stop feeding in fall to prepare for dormancy; use a phosphorus-rich fertilizer for better blooms.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; plants may take 1–2 months to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity with a plastic bag if needed.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back stems to healthy buds or lateral branches; remove dead or damaged growth at the base.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth; best done in early spring before new growth begins.
Tools
Pruning shears, bypass cutters, gloves.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune in early spring; remove dead growth; shape the plant evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2–3 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and encourage growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; apply until water begins to drain from the bottom; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration by avoiding compacted soil.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf scorch in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress; wilting in extreme conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and reduce flowering; severe cold without protection may cause root damage or dieback.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; plant in a sheltered location; use frost cloth for extreme cold snaps.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering; may require more frequent watering.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Fertilize in spring; use balanced formula; dilute liquid fertilizers; avoid over-fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in late fall or winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicOenothera fruticosa is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicOenothera fruticosa is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicOenothera fruticosa, commonly known as Sundial Evening Primrose, is not considered toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with its consumption.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When do Sundrops bloom?
A: Sundrops typically bloom from late spring to mid-summer, with flowers opening in the evening and lasting until midday the next day.
Q: Are Sundrops deer resistant?
A: Yes, Sundrops are generally deer resistant due to their strong fragrance and texture.
Q: How much sunlight do Sundrops need?
A: Sundrops thrive in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Onagraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
