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Product Info
Southern Sundrops (Oenothera fruticosa)
Primrose Family
Also called Evening Primrose, a misleading name, as this wildflower opens up in the day and closes in the evenings. Each individual bright yellow, poppy-like flower doesn't last very long, but each plant has multiple flowers that will bloom over several weeks. This is a well- behaved Oenothera compared to others in the genus–it will spread at a moderate rate by forming evergreen basal rosettes that turn a crimson color over winter. Fairly tolerant of dry, shallow rocky soils and part shade, though it will be happier in rich garden soil with full sun.
Blooms: Yellow, 4-6 weeks, May-June
Leaves: Evergreen basal rosette turns shades of red and purple in cool months
Height: 1-2’
Space: 1’
Soil: Avg-Dry-Moist
Exposure: Full sun-Part sun-Part shade
Fauna: Bees, flies, and butterflies, seeds for birds, host plant to 17 species of caterpillars
Deer Resistance: Medium
Zone: 4-9
Seeds: Woody, club-shaped seed capsule contains tiny brown seeds
Native Status: NC native, common in the Piedmont, uncommon in the Sandhills
Provenance: Unknown, asexually propagated
