Also known as Evening Primrose · 970 saves
Oenothera
Oenothera, the genus most gardeners know as evening primrose. We track 23 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 20 most-saved Oenothera varieties
Browse all 23 Oenothera varieties →
12 species of Oenothera
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Oenothera in Sow
Save the Oenothera you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Oenothera
Whats common across all Oenothera varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 23 most-grown of them.
The Oenothera year
- Spring CleanupMarch65% of varieties
Cut back any dead or damaged foliage before new growth begins
- DivideMarch, April and October52% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early fall if vigor declines
- DeadheadJune–September52% of varieties
Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming
- PlantApril, May, October and November48% of varieties
Plant transplants in spring or early fall in well-drained soil
Do
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Water during prolonged dry spells 🌱
- Use organic compost to enrich soil
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t disturb roots during peak flowering
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Oenothera
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Use neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Flea beetles | Small, shot-hole chewing damage on the foliage, particularly on young plants. | Apply diatomaceous earth around the base of the plant or use insecticidal sprays during active feeding periods. |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | No treatment needed |
| Root rot | Wilting despite watering | Improve soil drainage, reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply sulfur-based fungicide |
| Powdery Mildew | White film on leaves in humid weather | Space for air movement |
Making more Oenothera
Division
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall
- Replant divisions immediately in prepared soil
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring, taking 2-3 weeks to germinate.
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding after emergence.
Oenothera questions
How many types of Oenothera are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 23 distinct Oenothera varieties. The most popular — ranked by 970 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Oenothera grow in?
Across its varieties, Oenothera covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Oenothera bloom?
Most Oenothera varieties bloom in late spring to summer, mid-summer, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Oenothera should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.