Description
Oenothera glazioviana| Large-flowered Evening Primrose ‘Tina James’
Native to Europe and North America, Large-flowered Evening Primrose, also called Garden Evening Primrose, Evening Scented Primrose, and Red-sepal Evening Primrose, is both an edible and medicnal plant that’s extremely easy to grow. There are 145 species of evening primroses described, all of which originate in the Americas, but since the first species were introduced to Europe in the early 17th century, they have become naturalized worldwide.
‘Tina James’ Evening Primrose is a biennial that requires full sun and average garden soil to thrive. Introduced to the market in 1987, it is believed to be a garden hybrid between Oenothera elata x Oenothera biennis. Plants typically act as biennials, growing as an evergreen rosette of broad, pointed leaves the first year (which can be lightly harvested and used like spinach), while during the second year it sends up branched growing stems that reach 3-4 feet tall. Cigar shaped flower buds that resemble that of an Asiatic Lily form at the apex of the plant and open sequentially through the blooming season. Each evening, the blossoms burst open at dusk, taking only 1-2 minutes to fully open, revealing the four large bright-yellow petals. In the center of each flower is a prominent 4-pronged grappling hook shaped pistil that extends beyond the cluster of dangling stamens. Individual blossoms persist for just one night each, closing by late morning the following day. However, blooms can persist for 5-6 weeks or more. Pollinated by night-flying moths as large as hummingbirds.
Evening Primrose can be a bit weedy looking in its down time, but when in bloom its truly spectacular. And it makes an interesting container plant for a deck or balcony.
As a cut flower, flowers will even bloom indoors for about a week. You can dim the lights to induce flowers to open indoors in the evening.
Roots may be harvested in autumn and prepared similarly to Salsify. Unopened buds were preserved for winter use by Native Americans, and crushed leaves were applied to wounds to encourage healing.
Sow seeds directly where they are to grow in fall or early spring or start indoors several weeks before the last frost, using the most standard seed sprouting practices and seeds should germinate within 2-4 weeks.
Type: Biennial
Sun exposure: Part shade to full sun
Mature height: 3-4 ft
Mature width: 18-22 inches
Hardiness zones: 4-9