Sundrops
Oenothera fruticosa 'Sundrops'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate, drought-tolerant once established
Humidity
Prefers dry to moderate humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Oenothera fruticosa, commonly known as sundrops, is a day-flowering, herbaceous perennial. It features bright yellow, four-petaled, cup-shaped flowers that bloom from late spring into summer. The foliage is lance-shaped and can develop attractive red and bronze tones in the fall. A prolific bloomer, its flowers open during the day, unlike many other evening primroses. The reddish stems and foliage, which turns bronze-red in autumn, provide multi-season interest. It spreads by rhizomes to form attractive clumps.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in spring
- Water regularly until established, then drought-tolerant
- Place in full sun for optimal flowering
- Fertilize lightly in early spring with balanced fertilizer
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring
Pro Tip
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water during prolonged dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead regularly to promote continuous flowering
- Apply a light fertilization in spring
- Divide every few years to maintain vigor
Don't
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Allow soil to become waterlogged
- Neglect deadheading, which reduces blooms
- Plant in heavy clay soils without amendment
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Sundrops questions
What zones can Sundrops grow in?
Sundrops is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Sundrops deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Sundrops, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Sundrops bloom?
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 Sundrops need full sun?
Sundrops does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Sundrops drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Sundrops handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Oenothera to compare
Pink Evening Primrose
Oenothera speciosa
Missouri Evening Primrose Giant Evening Primrose
Oenothera macrocarpa
Evening Primrose
Oenothera biennis
Sundrops
Oenothera fruticosa 'Native Yellow Bellflower'
Ozark Sundrop
Oenothera missouriensis 'Ozark Sundrop'
Siskiyou Evening Primrose
Oenothera speciosa 'Siskiyou'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Sundrops with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
