Check out the video to see why they call this wild beauty an “evening” Primrose.
Oenothera is a genus of about 145 species of herbaceous flowering plants native to the Americas. It is the type genus of the family Onagraceae. Common names include evening primrose, suncups, and sundrops. They are not closely related to the true primroses. Wikipedia
Evening Primrose , while a must for moon gardens, wildflower beds, and cottage gardens, is not typically a plant grown around the home. It grows tall and spindly to a height of 3-7 feet in circumference of about half its height. Flowers are sparse and scantily speckled throughout plant stems.
Most gardeners consider it a weed because it can be invasive and typically spreads where it is not wanted. Birds eating the seeds will deposit it all over an entire area making it hard to be rid of.
| Grow Evening Primrose | |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, with average moisture content and average fertility |
| Soil pH | Neutral to slightly acidic or slightly alkaline |
| Bloom Time | June through September |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Hardiness Zones | 4 to 9 |
| Native Area | North America |
Evening Primrose should be started from seed. It will not bloom the first year but rather grow low and leafy to the ground. Flower stems with shoot up the second spring to produce flowerettes which only fow to be about an inch wide.
Evening Primrose oil has many uses
The oil, derived from the seeds, is commonly used for treatment of bruises, hemorrhoids, digestive problems, and sore throats.
It has also be used to treat acne and eczema and to improve over all skin health. Oil capsules are ingested.
Some studies suggest that Primrose Oil may help relieve symptoms of PMS like bloating, irritability, and depression.
Check out Healthline.com for a list of useful purposes for this North American “weed”.