Oenothera missouriensis

Common Name: Ozark Sundrop

Canary yellow, mildly fragrant, 3" wide flowers are produced in great numbers over dark green, lanceolate leaves from early thru midsummer. Following the substantial blooms, 2-3" long, 4-winged seed pods are produced which are beautiful in dried floral arrangements. The trailing habit and drought tolerance of this perennial makes it ideal for softening the edges of pathways or planting in rock gardens.

Height:

9.0-12.0 Inches

Spread:

12.0-15.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

3,4,5,6,7,8

Flower Color:

Yellow/Gold Shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Early Summer Midsummer

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Eclectic

Other Features:

Border Plant Drought Tolerant Fragrant Flowers Ground Cover Salt Tolerant

Origin:

Native to North America

Oenothera will maintain a healthy compact form in poor, well-drained soil and full sun. In more fertile soils, it tends to spread rampantly. Evening Primrose is perfect for covering gravelly banks and other areas where the soil quality is poor. Hot, dry conditions are no problem for this plant.

Awards

Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit -- 1993

Fun Facts

The oil of Evening Primrose is often sold in health stores, due to its gamma-lineotic acids, which help regulate body processes. However, the best proven benefit of the oil is to treat skin conditions.

Characteristics