Oenothera odorata

Family: Onagraceae

What it is like

Oenothera odorata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies), bees. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.9

Where it is found

Not known

Southern S. America - Chile.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young leaves. No more details are given.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 2

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Prefers a dryish well-drained sandy loam and full sun. Heavy clay soils may induce winter rots. Succeeds in poor soils. The flowers open in the evening, they are richly scented and are very attractive to moths. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is fleshy. Thick or swollen - fibrous or tap root .

Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in a sandy medium in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Basal cuttings in spring. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots of low-fertility soil and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant out in the following spring.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

O. sulphurea. Auct. Raimannia odorata.