The Evening Primrose – Growth And Care Guide

The Evening Primrose or the  Oenothera biennis is a popular flowering plant. It is a North American beauty that is best grown as an ornamental plant. One cool thing about the Evening Primrose is that it is known to bloom at night. 

It has a delicate appearance as it produces yellow flowers. These flowers are scented and produce an oily substance.  Evening Primrose oil has lots of benefits and uses. The Evening Primrose capsules are used for medicinal purposes. And the oil of primrose can be used in treating skin problems like eczema. 

You can grow the primrose plant in the late fall in anticipation of the summer blooms. Since they are edible, you can grow them around kids and pets. 

Botanical Name	Oenothera biennis
Common Names	Evening Primrose, Common evening primrose
Origin	North America
Family	Onagraceae
Plant Type	Biennial, herbaceous, flowering plant
Full Size	Ranges from 3 feet to 5 feet tall
Sun Exposure	Full or direct sun, can tolerate partial shade
Soil Type	Well-draining, but moist, acidic soil
Toxicity	Beneficial and non-toxic to people and pets

Evening Primrose Care Guide 

Taking care of the Primrose plant can be pretty easy. The average maintenance plant has simple light, water, and soil requirements. Its delicate flowers are prone to a few minor insect infestations. But they are sturdy plants. 

Light Requirements for the Evening Primrose

Although the Evening Primrose blooms at night, it does need full sunlight. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight a day is needed for a thriving plant. Lack of proper direct sunlight can hinder its flowering blooms. It can also tolerate exposure to filtered sunlight. 

The best spot to grow your exotic primrose plant would be a sunny window. Placing the potted plant next to a south-facing window should be perfect. You can also opt for a west-facing window as that makes a great spot. 

It is worth noting that the harshest sun rays can damage its delicate leaves. This is why you should provide some light covering when growing outdoors. 

Water Requirements For The Primrose Plant

The watering schedule should depend a lot on the climate. During the hot season, you should aim to water the primrose often. This can be done once or twice a week. But on cool days or cold climates, watering should be less. 

Evening Primrose roots do prefer a little moisture but they hate soggy soil. This is why you should always check the moisture level of the soil first. If after checking the soil feels almost dry, you can then water the plant. 

To help, you can try feeling the soil with your finger. If the topmost part of the soil feels dry, then water. Always use dechlorinated room temperature water. Rainwater is also perfect but avoids tap water. It is filled with chlorine which could harm the leaves. 

Soil Requirements for the Evening Primrose 

A well-draining soil is needed for the Evening Primrose. You can achieve this with sandy soil or a good soil mix. The soil should also contain a little mulch which should cool the roots.  Aim for a soil type that is a little acidic. You can get that with a little peat moss.   

In addition to good soil, you need a good pot. Ensure the pot being used has sufficient drainage holes. This should help with getting rid of the excess water gotten from watering. 

Temperature and Humidity Requirement For The Primrose Plant

Avoid growing the primrose plant in a hot and humid environment. They enjoy the cool air of the night, which is why they bloom at night.  It is best to avoid misting your primrose plant often. Instead, leave them in regular room conditions. 

The same goes for temperature needs. The regular room temperature should be perfect for Evening Primrose. But ensure they are protected from frost as they are not frost-hardy. An ideal temperature range should be between 20 and 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fertilizer Requirements For The Primrose

Evening primrose do not need fertilizer. Avoid using fertilizers as this can cause chemical burns. If your plant soil lacks nutrients, then add organic compost to the mix.

Propagating the Evening Primrose

You can grow Evening Primrose from seeds. These seeds should be planted in late fall in anticipation of the summer blooms. 

Common Health Problems of the Evening Primrose

• Beatles 
• Root rot 
• Flower discoloration 
• Wilting leaves

Frequently Asked Questions