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Bright yellow Evening Primrose flowers opening in the evening lightPerennials

Oenothera biennis

Evening Primrose

evening primroseevening bloomermoth-friendlydrought-tolerantself-seeding

Evening Primrose is a graceful biennial that opens its bright yellow flowers on warm summer evenings. The blooms release a sweet scent that attracts moths. From June to September, fresh flowers appear continuously along the upright stems. The plant self-seeds and naturalises beautifully in informal gardens.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Full sun
Water
Low
Height
60–120 cm
Spread
30–50 cm
Hardiness zone
4–8
Family
Onagraceae
Evergreen
No
Flower colors
yellow
Wildlife value
moths, bees, butterflies

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in full sun in well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil. Evening Primrose is exceptionally drought-tolerant and thrives even in sandy, lean ground. Watering is seldom necessary. Leave seed pods if you want the plant to self-sow.

Pruning tips

Cut stems after flowering to prevent self-seeding, or leave them for winter silhouette and bird food. Clear old stems in spring if needed.

Good companions

Blooming lavender with purple-blue flowers in summer sunlightShrubs

Lavandula angustifolia

English Lavender

Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.

Full sunLow30–60 cm
Yellow yarrow with flat flower clusters in a sunny borderPerennials

Achillea millefolium

Yarrow

Yarrow is a robust native perennial with finely divided, fern-like foliage and flat flower clusters in yellow, white, or pink. The plant blooms prolifically from June to September, attracting countless pollinators. Yarrow is remarkably drought-resistant and fits almost any garden style, from prairie borders to wildflower meadows.

Full sunLow50–80 cm
Golden-yellow Black-eyed Susan with dark brown center in a sunny borderPerennials

Rudbeckia fulgida

Black-eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan blooms from July through October with radiant golden-yellow petals surrounding a dark brown center. The plant is virtually indestructible, spreads gradually, and suits large borders and prairie-style gardens. After flowering, the seed heads provide food for birds.

Full sunLow60–90 cm