Evening primroses (Oenothera) are popular ornamental plants that come in many different varieties. But whether it's the common evening primrose, the red stem or the Missouri evening primrose, all members of this genus need a sunny spot. In the following article you can find out what else you should pay attention to when choosing a location.
The evening primrose likes it sunny
Lots of sun and nutrient-poor soil
Evening primroses prefer a sunny to full sun location and nutrient-poor to moderately nutrient-rich soil. This should be as profound as possible, very permeable and dry. The perennial does not tolerate moisture very well. Evening primroses are ideal for colorful perennial beds and borders as well as for rock and gravel gardens. But be careful: the evening primrose hardly forms any flowers in the shade, and the plant, which tends to grow in a cushion-like manner, quickly tends to proliferate.
Suitable neighboring plants
Evening primroses often have bright flower colors that need correspondingly colorful neighbors. Burning love (Silene chalcedonica), low sun bride (Helenium hybrids), fine rays (Erigon hybrids) or spur flowers (Centranthus ruber), for example, are well suited. Rock roses (Cistus), lavender (Lavandula) and holy herb (Santolina) also create a harmonious overall picture.
tips
The red-stemmed evening primrose (Oenothera fruticosa) has particularly beautiful, bright yellow flowers. In particular, the varieties "African Sun", "Camel", "Cold Crick" and "Fyrverkeri" are recommended.