Evening Primrose
oenothera stricta
Also known as: ["Evening Star","Sunset Flower"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial known for its bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers that open in the evening and close by morning.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","fragrant flowers","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Onagraceae |
| Genus: | Oenothera |
| Botanical Name: | Oenothera stricta |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in open, sunny area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; tolerates poor soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead spent flowers regularly; light pruning in early spring to remove dead stems.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but blooms best in full sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight if moved from shade; protect from harsh midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light indoors; avoid placing in shaded corners for best flowering.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in dormant periods
Water at the base to avoid foliage wetting; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for better texture; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates heat but may go dormant in extreme cold; thrives in temperate climates.
Protect from frost; water early to avoid heat stress; adjust care based on seasonal temperature shifts.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize after pruning to encourage new growth; stop fertilizing when plant is dormant; use organic options like compost for gentle feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings root easily in warm conditions.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), high humidity, and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix like perlite and peat moss; can also root in water.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic bag; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips for bushier growth; cut spent flowers just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.
Tools
Clean pruners or scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune dead or damaged growth; deadhead regularly; shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if needed; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring root zone saturation; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues; allow soil to dry between waterings.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth; reduce frequency in winter or drought; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting or drooping leaves in heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in cold; reduced flowering in suboptimal temperatures.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf discoloration; prolonged cold can lead to dormancy or death in non-hardy varieties.
Solution: Move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; apply a layer of mulch to protect roots in-ground; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or premature flowering; may lead to reduced vigor and susceptibility to pests.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat; water deeply and mulch to retain moisture; ensure good air circulation to cool the plant.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding; follow package instructions.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicOenothera stricta is not considered toxic to cats. No toxic effects or physiological impacts have been reported in felines after ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicOenothera stricta is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicOenothera stricta, commonly known as the evening primrose, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with its consumption.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do the flowers only open at night?
A: The flowers open in the evening to attract nocturnal pollinators, such as moths.
Q: Is Oenothera stricta invasive?
A: While it can self-seed prolifically, it is not typically considered invasive in most regions.
Q: How often should I water Oenothera stricta?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings; it is somewhat drought-tolerant.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Onagraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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