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Oenothera perennis

 
Oenothera perennis
small sundrops

Synonym(s) Oenothera pumila
Common name small sundrops
Family onagraceae
Life cycle perennial (Z4-9)
Flowers yellow (late May - June)
Size 12-24"
Light sun
Cultural notes drought-tolerant
From seed germinate at room temperature
Flowers first year from seed sown indoors early.
detailed seed-starting info below

Wildflower of eastern North America, forming a mound of narrow leaves, and small golden-yellow flowers held on branching stems through much of summer. The flowers are open during the day, closed at night. From previous experience with oenotheras, I expected this to be short-lived as a perennial. Indeed most of our plants didn't get through their second winter, but the one survivor is now a fourth-year plant, and bigger than ever. I like it quite a bit, so I have since saved seed and started a new batch to keep those cheery yellow flowers going around the garden.

Oenothera perennis
More flowers on a third-year plant
small sundrops
Seed capsules develop lower on the stem while flowers are still blooming above

We're re-establishing this plant this year (it used to grow in our garden, but slipped away)

Seed for this plant is included on my seed trade list

One or more images of this plant are included in my stock photo catalog

About my plant portraits
PlantLinks to other web pages about Oenothera perennis


Seed-starting details for this plant

  1. Seed from '09 trade. Baggy 70F (90+%G, 8-12d)
  2. Same seed as above. Baggy 70F (43%G, 7-11d)
  3. Seed from '15 garden. Baggy 70F (11/++G, 10-20d)


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