Oenothera 'Missouriensis'

Oenothera 'Missouriensis': Golden Glow for the Evening Garden

Delicate yet resilient, Oenothera 'Missouriensis' unfurls luminous yellow blooms that open in late afternoon and glow through the evening hours. This low-growing, drought-tolerant native species carpets sunny spaces with cheerful colour and subtle movement, drawing in pollinators with its soft fragrance and radiant charm.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 15–25 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm, spreading and trailing
• Flower Colour: Bright lemon yellow
• Flowering Period: Late spring to midsummer
• Foliage: Narrow, grey-green leaves with a fine texture
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soils; drought-tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: Oenothera 'Missouriensis' is perfect for rock gardens, sunny slopes, dry borders, and naturalistic plantings where a low, spreading groundcover is needed. Its glowing blooms are particularly enchanting in the evening light and attract moths, bees, and butterflies. Thriving in lean soils and heat, it offers excellent erosion control and seasonal brightness with little upkeep.

Companion Plants: Pair Oenothera 'Missouriensis' with Gaillardia 'Spintop Orange Halo' for a vibrant, sun-drenched combination that thrives in dry soil. Add Coreopsis 'Zagreb' for fine texture and a continuous thread of golden colour. Finish the planting with Festuca 'Blue Select', whose icy blue foliage contrasts the yellow blooms while thriving in the same dry, full-sun conditions.

Care Instructions: Grow in full sun and sharply drained soil. Tolerates heat, drought, and poor soils once established. Avoid wet conditions, especially in winter. Cut back lightly after flowering to maintain form. This long-lived perennial needs little attention and does not require division.

History: Oenothera 'Missouriensis', also known as Missouri evening primrose, is native to central North America and has been cherished in prairie and rock gardens for its resilience and evening-opening blooms. It remains a top choice for native and drought-tolerant landscapes.

Final Thoughts: Sun-loving and beautifully understated, Oenothera 'Missouriensis' brings a low, glowing presence to dry gardens—lighting the way from golden afternoon into twilight.