Oenothera missouriensisThe huge (4-5” across) flowers of this plant are spectacular. They are a clear lemon yellow, cup shaped, and made of the most delicate tissue. The buds are also beautiful; long, tapered, red-blushed green, and carried on red stems. Wow! Added to that are lance shaped, pointed, dark green leaves that grow in bunches along the trailing stems. That is not all; after the flowers are finished they are followed by large, winged seed capsules that are beautiful in flower arrangements. I like to pair this primrose with threadleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’) that is the same color and shape but contrasts in size. To be entirely truthful I will have to admit that this plant does not like my heat and humidity and I have to replace it on a regular basis, but it is worth it.

Type: Herbaceous perennial.

Bloom: Large (4-5” across) lemon yellow flowers are borne all summer.

Size: 8-10” H x 18-24” W.

Light: Full sun.

Soil: Average, sandy, light, alkaline well-drained soil but tolerates ordinary garden soil.

Hardiness: Zones 4-8.

Pests and Diseases: None of importance.

Propagation: In spring, root division or separation of young shoots from the base of the plant. Grows easily from seed and will self seed.

Companion plants: Threadleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’), Frikart’s aster (Aster x frikartii), Enflish lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), butterflyweed (Ascepias tuberosa), goldenrod (Solidago spp.), bellflower (Campanula lactiflora), orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida), lilies and daylilies.

Comment; Nice for the front of a bed or border, along a walkway, or in a place where it can spill over a wall.

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By Karen