perennial

Lemon Silver Fremont's Sundrops

Oenothera fremontii 'Lemon Silver'

The Story

Plant Bio

Oenothera fremontii, commonly known as Fremont's sundrops, is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial native to the central United States. It features narrow, silvery-green leaves and large, cup-shaped, bright lemon-yellow flowers that bloom throughout the summer.

'Lemon Silver' is a cultivar selected for its particularly striking, bright silvery-grey foliage which provides a brilliant contrast to its large, lemon-yellow, cup-shaped flowers. It forms a low, sprawling mat, making it an excellent groundcover for dry, sunny locations.

Uses & Benefits:

Silver foliage and fragrant yellow flowers add visual interest and scent to gardens.

Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, ideal for water-wise landscapes.

Provides nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

8 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring.
Water lightly until germination occurs, about 2 weeks.
Allow soil to dry between watering to prevent root rot.
Place in full sun for best flowering results.
Thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding, after 6 weeks.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water sparingly once established 💧
Deadhead to prolong flowering
Mulch to retain soil moisture

Don't

Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
Avoid fertilizing late in the season
Don’t disturb roots during dormancy

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Mulch
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Silver-foliaged borderFragrant rock gardenDrought-tolerant xeriscape feature

Companion Plants

Lavender Russian sage Yarrow Sedum Echinacea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lemon Silver Fremont's Sundrops questions

What zones can Lemon Silver Fremont's Sundrops grow in?

Lemon Silver Fremont's Sundrops is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Lemon Silver Fremont's Sundrops deer resistant?

Yes — Lemon Silver Fremont's Sundrops is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Lemon Silver Fremont's Sundrops bloom?

Lemon Silver Fremont's Sundrops typically blooms in late spring to mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Lemon Silver Fremont's Sundrops need full sun?

Lemon Silver Fremont's Sundrops does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Lemon Silver Fremont's Sundrops drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Lemon Silver Fremont's Sundrops handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.