Oenothera biennis (Evening Primrose) is a biennial herb plant that is native to large parts of North America. Evening Primrose is easy to grow, tolerates a wide range of climates and is renowned for its medicinal qualities. All parts of the plant can be eaten while the pretty yellow flowers in Spring bring both bees and butterflies into the garden.
Suitable for Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical climates.
Oenothera biennis is also commonly referred to as Sundrop, Weedy Evening Primrose, German Rampion, Evening Star, Hog Weed, King’s Cure All and Fever Plant.
An essential oil is produced from Evening Primrose while all parts of the plant can be eaten. The roots are eaten either raw or cooked like potatoes and the leaves are eaten in salads or cooked in soups and stews.
As biennials in their native habitat, Evening Primrose tolerates conditions as cold as southern Canada as well as warmer temperatures like those found in Florida and Texas.
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Growth
Oenothera biennis is a herbaceous plant that grows to a height of around 1.6m (5 feet) and a width of up to 60cm (24 inches). The lifecycle of Evening Primrose plants stretch over two growing seasons. During the first year seedlings establish themselves, develop leaves and then bunker down for the winter. The second Spring sees faster growth and highly attractive yellow blooms. Once pollinated and the seed is set, the plant begins to die off during the second Autumn.
Leaves of Evening Primrose are lanceolate and during the first year grow as a tight rosette and then shaped as a spiral throughout the second year. They can grow to up to 18cm (7 inches) in length.
The yellow flowers are hermaphrodite and bloom on a tall spike from late Spring until late Summer. During the first season, leaves can be harvested from around 100 days but the flowers and seeds will take until the second year to be ready.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Ongaraceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Sub-Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
2-26°C / 35-80°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist, well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun. Shade in sub-tropical and tropical climates.
HEIGHT:
Up to 1.6m (5 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 60cm (24 inches)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
80-100 days
GERMINATION RATES:
75-85%
GERMINATION TIME:
10-14 days at temperatures between 15-20°C / 59-70°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 1200
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 10+ years.
FACTS ABOUT OENOTHERA BIENNIS (Evening Primrose)
The seeds of Evening Primrose is an important source of food for North American birds such as the mourning dove, northern bobwhite and American goldfinch.
Evening Primose was introduced into Europe early in the 17th century and was used to decorate botanical gardens and for its strong nectar and its ability to attract pollinators.
Native Americans traditionally use the whole plant for cooking and for treating weight loss, boils and piles. The roots are also chewed down and rubbed onto muscles for recovery and to build strength.
All parts of the Evening Primrose plant can be used in various forms including as an oil to assist with pain relief, osteoporosis, fertility, diabetes, acne and other skin conditions.
For more information regarding the medicinal benefits of Evening Primrose please click here.
