Cutleaf Evening Primrose,  Oenothera laciniata

A beautiful, low-maintenance native plant, that adds a touch of wild elegance to your garden! Its common name comes from its deeply toothed or lobed leaves, which often feature a distinctive white mid-vein.

Full Sun (6+ hours daily) Tolerates partial sun, but full sun encourages the best growth and flowering. Grow in well-drained soi, it thrives in sandy, loamy, or even gravelly soils. It is drought-tolerant once established. Water weekly until established, then only during prolonged dry periods. Does not tolerate waterlogging. It often forms a leaf rosette in the first year and flowers in the second (biennial).

Oneothera does not require stratification and can be sown in situ, started indoors, or use Winter Sowing.  Sprinkle seeds on the soil surface and lightly press down. If desired, a very thin layer of fine material may be sprinkled on top.  Expect seedlings to emerge in about 10 days to 4 weeks under favorable conditions.

🌙 Interesting Facts & Uses

As an "Evening Primrose," its beautiful, yellow, sometimes pink-tinged flowers typically open in the evening and close during the day's bright sun. This makes them a fantastic addition to moon gardens!

The flowers are primarily pollinated by Sphinx Moths (or Hawk Moths), who are active at night. They are also visited by native bees.

Oenothera laciniata is native to parts of the Americas and is a vigorous self-seeder, allowing it to naturalize in meadows and informal garden settings.

Ethnobotanical Uses: Historically, various Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Ojibwa, used species of Evening Primrose for food (young leaves and roots) and in medicinal preparations for sore skin or bruises.