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Key characteristics

Family: Onagraceae
Height: 16–36 inches
Width: Up to 36 inches
Flower color: Bright yellow with four petals
Foliage color: Green; may develop reddish-purple hues in colder seasons
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun
Water: Tolerates dry to average soil moisture; drought-resistant
Maintenance: Low; may self-seed if not deadheaded
Growing zone: USDA zones 3–9
Wildlife: Attracts bees and butterflies

Perennials

Oenothera fruticosa

Narrow-leaf Evening Primrose

Oenothera fruticosa is a hardy perennial that features bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers with an open, cheerful appearance. The flowers bloom profusely from late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. The plant's narrow, lance-shaped leaves are dark green and provide a subtle backdrop to the bold blossoms, creating a strong contrast in the garden. The flowers open during the day and last for several hours, offering a burst of color and interest to borders, rock gardens, or mixed plantings.

Light

Full sun

Water

Tolerates dry to average soil moisture; drought-resistant

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Sun Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Waterwise Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Russian sage · Sedums · Peonies · Coneflowers · Salvias · Shasta daisies

Design tip

Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Give it open sun and room to fill out, and repeat it in threes or fives so the planting reads as one sweep instead of scattered dots.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)