Oenothera fruticosa, evening primrose
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Perennials

Oenothera fruticosa

evening primrose

OnagraceaeEastern United States

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitUpright
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Height12-24 inches (30-60 cm)
Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Drought Tolerant
Native to North America
Maintenancelow

Overview

An upright to spreading native perennial in the family Onagraceae, native to the eastern United States, growing in open woods, meadow edges, rocky outcrops, and disturbed ground. Plants spread by short rhizomes forming loose colonies of reddish-tinged, erect stems 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) tall bearing alternate, lance-shaped leaves 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long, often flushed with red-purple, particularly in spring and fall. Despite the common name 'evening primrose,' Oenothera fruticosa opens its flowers in full daytime sun — 'sundrops' is the more accurate common name. The bright, clear yellow, four-petaled flowers 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) across open over a period of several weeks in late spring to midsummer, each lasting one to two days. The red stem coloration and reddish-tinged foliage provide additional ornamental interest. Selected cultivars include 'Fireworks' (syn. 'Fyrverkeri'), with red buds, bright yellow flowers, and strongly reddish foliage. Non-toxic.

Native Range

Native to the eastern United States from Maine south to Florida and west to Wisconsin and Arkansas, growing in open woods, meadow edges, rocky slopes, and disturbed areas, typically in well-drained to dry, often poor soil in full sun.

Suggested Uses

Planted in native perennial borders, prairie gardens, dry banks, and rock gardens at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. Effective massed for a ground-covering effect on sunny slopes. The reddish foliage provides season-long interest beyond the bloom period. Combines well with ornamental grasses, rudbeckias, and drought-tolerant perennials. Attracts native bees during bloom.

How to Identify

Identified by lance-shaped leaves often flushed reddish-purple (especially in spring and fall), on reddish stems, bearing four-petaled bright yellow flowers 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) across that open during the day. The combination of reddish stem and foliage coloration, daytime-opening clear yellow flowers, and spreading colony habit distinguish it from other yellow-flowered perennials.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green
red

Fall Foliage Colors

red
orange

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks
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SpringSummer
Blooms late May through July in zones 4–8, with the main flush over 3–5 weeks. Individual flowers last 1–2 days but new buds open continuously throughout the bloom period. In the Pacific Northwest, peak bloom occurs in June. Red-tinged foliage and stems provide additional interest in spring and fall.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

bright clear yellow; four-petaled

Foliage Description

medium green, often flushed reddish-purple especially in spring and fall; lance-shaped

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandrockyclay
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1 year

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in average to poor, well-drained to dry soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Tolerates poor, rocky, and sandy soils; does not perform well in rich, moist, or waterlogged conditions. Drought-tolerant once established. Control spread by digging out runner divisions in spring — the spreading habit can be aggressive in ideal conditions. Divide every 3–4 years in early spring to maintain vigor and control spread. No staking required.

Pruning

Cut back spent flower stems after bloom in July to tidy the plant and encourage a flush of fresh foliage. Cut all stems to ground level in fall after frost, or leave for winter interest and wildlife cover. Divide in early spring every 3–4 years by lifting and separating rhizome sections; replant vigorous outer portions at 18 inch (45 cm) spacing.

Pruning Schedule

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summerfallearly spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic