Small-flowered evening primrose
Oenothera parviflora · Onagraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant small-flowered evening primrose: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Oenothera parviflora
- Family
- Onagraceae
- Type
- Annual or biennial herbaceous plant
- Flowering
- Summer to autumn (June to September)
- Adult height
- 30 to 80 cm
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Hardy, tolerates moderate cold
- Origin
- North America
Care
Exposure
Evening primrose appreciates a sunny exposure, ideally at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It tolerates slightly dappled shade but flowers less generously. Install it in a well-ventilated spot where stagnant humidity doesn't accumulate.
Watering
Water moderately after planting to establish roots well. Once established, evening primrose is undemanding and tolerates relative dryness. Water only during prolonged drought or intense summer periods. Avoid excess moisture which promotes rotting.
Soil
This plant thrives in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soils. It prefers light, sandy or gravelly substrates. Improve drainage by adding sand or gravel if your soil retains too much water.
Fertilizing
Evening primrose doesn't require regular fertilizing. Moderately fertile soil is sufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote foliage at the expense of flowering. A light application of compost in spring is enough.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming. At the end of the season, if the plant doesn't self-seed naturally, cut back stems to ground level. Remove dried or damaged parts as needed.
Diseases and pests
Evening primrose is generally robust and rarely troubled by pests. Insufficient drainage can cause root rot or mildew. Ensure good air circulation and reduce watering in excessively humid conditions. Watch for slugs in spring which can damage young shoots.
Did you know?
Oenothera parviflora is an excellent example of a 'traveling' plant: originally from North America, it has naturalized in Europe, particularly in Nova Scotia (from which its common name derives) and other regions. Its flowers, mainly yellow, often open in late afternoon and exhale a light fragrance, hence the ancestral nickname 'Evening Primrose' given to certain evening primroses.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Pink evening primroseOenothera speciosa
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- Hardy fuchsiaFuchsia magellanica
- Evening primroseOenothera fruticosa
- Bolivian fuchsiaFuchsia boliviana
- ClockweedOenothera lindheimeri
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.