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16245 S US Hwy 71
Belton, MO 64012
Tel: (816) 331-9738
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Oenothera biennis

Common Evening Primrose

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Oenothera biennis (Common Evening Primrose)

Evening primrose blooms in moist woods from June through August. Soft yellow, scented flowers open at dusk and stay open through the night and much of the morning. The flowers usually close by afternoon. Seeds ripen from August to October. The flowers are pollinated by Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies) and bees and is noted for attracting wildlife.

The plant prefers sandy to loamy well-drained soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. The plant can tolerate dry or moist soil that is acid, neutral or basic (alkaline). It cannot grow in the shade.

Additional Information:


Height
2-5 Feet

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Spread
12-15 Inches

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Bloom/Seasonal Color
Soft Yellow


USDA Hardiness Zone 4-8

Home Owner Growing and Maintenance Tips:
Good choice for meadows and cultivated beds.

Good Companions
Meadow Phlox (Phlox maculata), Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Woodland Spiderwort (Tradescantia ernestina), Heart-Leaved Meadow Parsnip (Zizia aptera)

Characteristics & Attributes

Hydrologic Designation

FACU

Nature Attracting

Butterfly

Season of Interest

Late (July-frost)
Mid (May-June)

Soil Moisture

Average
Moderate

Special Uses

Fragrant

Sun Exposure

Full Sun

USFS MO Ecological Map

Wildlife Benefit

Butterfly Nectar