Evening primroses: planting, caring for and using the flower

The common evening primrose causes a stir in the garden with its beautiful flowers. We reveal what you have to consider when planting and caring for them and present various possible uses.

In the evening, when dusk falls, the evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) shine their splendor. Only then do the bright yellow flowers bloom and give the darkness a new glow. But don't worry, the next morning you can see the flowers in the light, too.

Evening primrose: origin and properties

Even though the evening primrose appears to belong entirely to the native flora, it is an immigrant. Only in the 17 In the 19th century, the perennial was brought to Europe from North America as an ornamental plant. But she didn't stick to borders and garden fences and, in no time at all, conquered Europe outside the flower beds. Other members of the evening primrose genus (

Oenothera) did the same or were created by crossing and soon numerous species of evening primrose enriched the European flora.

The common evening primrose is by no means inconspicuous. Towering, as it usually is, it reaches heights of between 80 and 180 centimeters. And underground it is no different, because its fleshy taproot can be as deep as the plant is tall. In the first year, however, the biennial plant is quite inconspicuous. Its long, lanceolate leaves are initially arranged in a rosette on the ground. Only in the coming year does the main shoot sprout, at the top of which a long inflorescence appears from June. Gradually, the bright yellow and sweet-scented flowers bloom from bottom to top. They attract numerous species of hawk moths (butterfly families): The pigeon tail (Macroglossum stellatarum), which may almost seem like a small hummingbird.

The most beautiful evening primrose species

The common evening primrose is basically just one of many. Together with around 200 other species, it belongs to the evening primrose genus. About 30 species are common in Europe. The common evening primrose is probably the best known of them and is usually referred to as the evening primrose par excellence. But there are some other interesting representatives of the evening primrose genus:

• Red-capped evening primrose (Oenothera glazioviana): This species is widespread and can reach up to 2 m in height. Its flowers are slightly larger than those of other evening primroses. The main difference, however, lies in the red buds and red-spotted stem of the plant.
• Shrubby or red stemmed evening primrose(Oenothera fruticosa / Oenothera tetragona): Although the flowers of this evening primrose species shine in the typical evening primrose yellow, the growth of the shrubby evening primrose is not straight and upright, but branched. The flower stalks reach heights of up to 70 cm.
• Pink Carpet Evening Primroseor White Evening Primrose (Oenothera speciosa): The appearance of the pink evening primrose is completely different. Their growth is not upright, but cushion-forming. Their maximum size is therefore also reached at 30 cm. The flowers go from whitish to pink. Unfortunately, this species has a pronounced urge to spread.
• Cushion evening primrose or Missouri evening primrose (Oenothera macrocarpa): This species does not grow higher than 30 cm and is perfect for planting in rock gardens. There it forms a dense carpet of flowers with its large yellow flowers.

Plant evening primroses

You can purchase evening primroses either as young plants or in seed form. You can plant potted plants from spring to summer. The plants are hardy, but shouldn't be exposed to icy frost straight away as they were probably grown in a greenhouse.

The perfect location for evening primroses

Although the evening primroses are incredibly diverse, all species found here somehow prefer the same thing. Outside of gardens and plantations, wild evening primroses are mainly found where other plants have a hard time. They inhabit gravel banks, railway embankments and fallow land as well as old quarries. Because evening primroses love sandy and nutrient-poor soil, at best there is also some lime. And with all this, the sun must not be missing. However, the plant can still cope with partial shade. However, it is important that the location dries out in winter and is not damp.

How to properly plant evening primroses

You can put your evening primrose in a bucket or outdoors. If you plant several specimens, you should definitely ensure a sufficient planting distance of about 30 centimeters for large species such as the common evening primrose. This keeps the stock well aerated and fungi don't stand a chance.

Since evening primroses have deep roots, you should definitely use a deep planter if you plant them in pots. The substrate in it should consist to a large extent of sand. For example, you can mix normal garden soil with 30 to 50 percent sand.

• Choose a deep planter
• For substrate, mix garden soil with at least 30% sand
• Pay attention to the planting distance outdoors

Caring for evening primroses: This is important to note

Evening primroses are extremely resilient. It was not for nothing that they declared the European wilderness their own so quickly. In any case, the undemanding plants do not need fertilizer. And you can also save yourself most of the watering, because even prolonged drought does not bother the plant. Only with the shrubby evening primrose is it worth getting a hand on, because a hard pruning in autumn or towards the end of winter stimulates early flowering.

Multiply evening primroses: tips for sowing and Co

Evening primroses produce an incredible number of extremely small seeds. So if you don't want to suddenly find the reproductive plant all over the garden, you shouldn't throw the cut inflorescences on the compost.

But the sowing of evening primroses is very easy. If you want the plant to only thrive once a year, early sowing towards the end of April or beginning of May is recommended. Evening primroses sown in July or August, on the other hand, will not flower until the following year.

When sowing, you should keep in mind that evening primroses are light germinators. Therefore, do not cover the seeds or only cover them with very little soil. After about 12 to 16 days, the first seedlings will appear.

Once the plant is established and allowed to mature, it will reliably seed and provide fresh offspring.

Propagation of evening primroses: the most important things in brief:

• Evening primroses produce numerous seeds
• Sow in April/May or July/August
• light germinator

Are evening primroses poisonous?

Evening primroses are by no means poisonous. On the contrary: the various parts of the common evening primrose can even be eaten as a vegetable. In addition, there are numerous applications from naturopathy.

Use of evening primroses

Evening primroses are not only eye-catching splashes of color and beautiful components in your own perennial border, they also attract numerous moths and bumblebees. For this reason, the evening primrose is an excellent pasture for butterflies.

However, the common evening primrose is not only a pleasure for the colorful insects. You too can perceive the plant with all your senses. The fleshy taproot, for example, can be harvested in autumn and prepared into delicious root vegetables. In spring, on the other hand, the fresh leaves are ideal for salads and spinach. The highlight in summer are the edible, bright yellow flowers, which can decorate salads and dishes and look enchanting in homemade ice cubes.

But not only that, because the oil from evening primrose seeds has a calming and anti-inflammatory effect on irritated skin. Dandruff, dry skin and even neurodermatitis can be alleviated in this way. Excellent natural cosmetics can be made from evening primrose oil.

The tea made from dried leaves, on the other hand, can counteract stomach and digestive problems. Evening primrose preparations are even said to counteract any mood swings, aggressiveness and other signs that many women experience before their menstrual period.