Evening primroseis an easy-to-grow perennial that works great in containers and beds. This hardy and frost-resistant species is more and more often found due to its low requirements. See how planting andcultivating evening primroseWe discuss basic treatments such as watering, fertilizing and pruning evening primrose. Also, discover the best ways topropagate evening primrose
Evening primrose - Oenothera fruticosa
Fig. depositphotos.com
Evening primrose - properties and application
Evening primrose(Oenothera fruticosa) belongs to the primrose family (Onagraceae) and occurs naturally in the eastern part of North America. It grows in dry forests, meadows and rocky areas. It has been cultivated as an ornamental plant since 1737. It is a valuable honey plant that attracts bees and butterflies.
Erect, often branchedEvening primrose sprouts grow up to 60-80 cm in heightMay be slightly mossy with a delicate red color. The shoots are covered with small, dark green, oval leaves. Yellow flowers are gathered in clusters and sprout at the tips of the shoots.Evening Primrose blooms from July to SeptemberUnlike many species of evening primrose such as Missourian Evening Primrose and Evening Primrose, Evening Primrose flowers are open around the clock.
Some of the evening primrose, such as Oenothera biennis, are valued for their healing and cosmetic properties.Evening primrose oil, pressed from the seeds, has long been widely used, especially in cosmetics. However, theprimrose discussed in this article is purely decorative
Evening primrose - Oenothera fruticosa
Fig. Mason Brock, Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons
Frost-resistant (plant frost-resistance zone 5), hardy and easy to maintainEvening primrose looks greatin rock gardens and mixed beds. Yellow evening primrose flowers go well with the purple flowers of iris, Carpathian bells, catnip, mossy sage and almonds. In naturalistic gardens, the primrose bush creates beautiful compositions with species such as: lupine, chrysanthemum, poppy and vetch. The shorter varieties of evening primrose can be grown in pots or balcony boxes.
Evening primrose - cultivation
The evening primrose is not particularly demanding It grows equally well in a slightly shaded position and in full sun. You should only avoid planting it in shady places, because in the absence of sufficient sunlight, it blooms poorly.
The substrate for evening primrose should belight, well-drained, fresh, slightly humus sour. Wet or excessively humid places are definitely not suitable for this species. It is one of those plants that can withstand drought better than overflow and stagnant water.
Evening primrose - Oenothera fruticosa
Fig. pixabay.com
When planting evening primrose in your garden , you should provide it with enough space, remembering that this plant is fast and vigorous. So that evening primrose does not suppress other plants in the bed, its growth can be limited by using root barriers.
Evening primrose - watering
Young plantsEvening primrose should be watered regularlyevery few days until complete rooting.Mature specimens require watering only during prolonged dry periods. Watering the evening primrose should be combined with loosening the ground and weeding.
Evening primrose - fertilization
These perennials do not have high nutritional requirements. If we mulch the soil with mature compost in the fall, we do not need to feed evening primrose any more throughout the next growing season. Mulching will also protect young plants from severe winter frosts. In spring, the compost left over from the cover for the winter can be gently raked up with the soil.
Evening primrose - pruning
The bush primrose creates compact, dense clumps that do not require shaping. As with most perennialstrim the evening primrosein autumn about 10 cm above the ground so that plant residues do not constitute a source of infection.
Evening primrose - reproduction
Evening primrose is most often propagated vegetatively by division and apical cuttings.
Primrose propagation by division- Primrose is a short-lived perennial. It grows and blooms less after 3-4 years - it must be rejuvenated. This treatment can be combined with the acquisition of cuttings and the propagation of the plant. When evening primrose develops large and strong clumps, in spring (in April or May) we dig them up and divide them into several parts. Each one should have a strong root system and 2-3 buds. It is best to plant new seedlings immediately in the target place.
Propagation of the evening primrose by cuttings- in order to reproduce the evening primrose by cuttings, take the top fragments of young shoots in April. We cut them into about 10 cm long and place them in pots filled with a substrate for seedling. The rooting process under covers does not take long - it takes about 3 weeks.
MSc Eng. Anna Błaszczak
