This short-lived perennial is native to eastern North America where it is found in open places and along woodsides. It is a member of the willowherb familiy, Onagraceae, that also includes Fushia, Clarkia, and Gaura. The plants grow 1-3′ tall and are well branched with hairy, reddish brown stems and ovate long dark green leaves. From late spring to mid summer, 1-3 red tinged buds per stem open into cup-shaped, four petaled flowers that are 1- 1½” across. Several cultivars are available that vary primarily in height from 12-18″ tall. The genus name, Oenothera, comes from the Greek words oinos meaning wine and theras meaning booty, and refers to the use of the root of some plants in the genus for scenting wine. The specific epithet, tetragona, comes from the Greek words tetra meaning four and gonus meaning angle.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Bloom: Four petaled yellow flowers 1-1.5″ across from late spring to mid summer
Size: 1-3′ H x 1′ W
Light: Full sun
Soil: Average, medium moist to dry, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 3-8
Care: Cut back foliage to basal rosette if leaves become unattractive in summer.
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Seed, division
Companion Plants: Erygium tripartitum, Asclepias, lavender, Dianthus barbatus nigrescens ‘Sooty’.
Outstanding Selections:
‘Fireworks; (18″ tall, 2-3″ wide flowers)
‘Highlights’ (12″ tall, 2″ wide flowers)
“Yellow River’ (12″ tall, 2-2.5” wide deep yellow flowers)
Photo Credit: Wikimedia
Karen Meyers