perennialN. America Native

Berlandier's Sundrops

The Story

Plant Bio

Oenothera capillifolia is a low, spreading perennial native to Texas and northern Mexico, forming an open foliage canopy up to two feet high. Bright yellow blossoms open from four-angled buds from spring into summer, aging to soft shades of orange and red.

This species features linear leaves with reddish new growth and slender stems that mature with exfoliating gray bark. It thrives in lean, alkaline, or limestone-derived soils where high heat and poor fertility discourage weaker perennials.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces yellow blossoms from distinctly square buds above fine, feathery foliage.

Stabilizes dry, sunny rock beds and gravel banks with zero supplemental fertilization required.

Serves as a host plant for sphinx moth larvae and provides nectar for native bees and hummingbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24"

Width

35"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

South-central United States, Northern Mexico

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with gritty, sharp-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the crown level with the soil surface.
Backfill without adding rich compost or heavy organic amendments.
Water thoroughly at planting, then restrict irrigation once established.

Pro Tip

Prune stems back by one-third to one-half after the main spring flowering period to encourage branching and prevent a sprawling habit.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide unshaded full sun exposure.
Ensure drainage is extremely sharp.
Trim foliage back lightly after the main spring bloom.

Don't

Do not apply nitrogen fertilizers, which induce weak and floppy stems.
Do not plant in heavy, water-retentive clay soils.
Do not prune deep into old, leafless woody wood where buds fail to break.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock gardensGravel bordersSlopes and erosion controlXeriscaping

Companion Plants

Salvia greggii Melampodium leucanthum Echinacea angustifolia Yucca filamentosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Berlandier's Sundrops questions

What zones can Berlandier's Sundrops grow in?

Berlandier's Sundrops is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Berlandier's Sundrops deer resistant?

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

When does Berlandier's Sundrops bloom?

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

Does Berlandier's Sundrops need full sun?

Berlandier's Sundrops does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Berlandier's Sundrops drought tolerant?

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