Oenothera macrocarpa

Also known as Bigfruit Evening-primrose, Missouri Evening-primrose, Fluttermill, Big-fruit Evening-primrose, Missouri Primrose, Bigfruit Evening Primrose

These stunning blooms, celebrated for their beauty as well as their heat and drought tolerance, make this delightful and dependable perennial a fantastic addition to any well-drained rock or cottage garden. Towering at 10" tall with a width of 1-2.5' and adorned with lovely slender leaves, "Ozark Sundrop" bursts into life from Spring through Fall, showcasing an abundance of large, luminous, and lightly scented blooms that resemble soft, bright lemon-yellow "saucers." These vibrant flowers are cherished by hummingbirds and hawkmoths alike! As a Midwestern native, it gracefully thrives in various soil conditions, including poor and limey ones. A bit of care, like adding some fertility and deadheading, can help ensure its blooms last even longer. Plus, it’s non-invasive! Just give it a gentle cut back to 1-2" in the Fall, and you'll find it's also resistant to deer.

Interestingly, historians trace the origins of this flower back to Mexico and Central America. Its charming name comes from its tendency to open late in the day, although in some places, it prefers different hours for its big reveal. Fascinatingly, at one point, people believed its glowing yellow petals were phosphorescent in the moonlight, leading to it sometimes being referred to as "night candles" in Germany. The genus name Oenothera has quite a mysterious background as well, with many sources suggesting it originates from the Greek word for "wine," stemming from the belief that the roots of this lovely plant could help reduce the effects of overindulging in wine.

BONAP MAP

Height: 6" -12"
Spread: 1’-1.5'
Bloom:  April-August
Light: Full Sun
Water: Low
Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8,
Origin: North America