Oenothera fruticosa 'Fireworks' - Evening Primrose

Oenothera fruticosa 'Fireworks' - Evening Primrose

DESCRIPTION

Fireworks Sundrops / Evening Primrose
Oenothera fruticosa 'Fireworks'

Try as you might to resist its power, you are sure to fall under the sway of this prolific summer bloomer that is so easy to grow and so rewarding. Deep bronze foliage and stems form a tight, rounded bush that becomes even more attractive in June as waves of canary yellow flowers provide a dreamy contrast of colors that lasts into late July. 'Fireworks' is vigorous to a fault and thrives in sunny areas with well-drained, sandy soils. Even better, its bloom is aptly named for it evening opening and its ability to attract a wide array of evening dwelling native moths and butterflies. 'Fireworks' is deer resistant, stunning in groups and will respond beautifully to a summer cut with even more foliage color and bloom!

Benefits

Nectar attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
Important food source for native bees
Attracts large hawk moths
Long blooming and colorful
Heat and drought tolerant once established
Deer resistant

NATIVE INFO

Native Range

Oenothera fruticosa is native from Maine south to Florida and west to Louisiana Missouri, Indiana, and Michigan.

Map Credit: The Biota of North America
Map Key: Green (native), Teal (native, adventive), Blue (present), Yellow (present & rare), Red (extinct)

INTERESTING FACTS

Humidity evaporating from this flower's nectar provides a signal to a potential visitor. By sensing the humidity, a Hawkmoth can tell whether Evening Primrose flowers contain nectar without having to land and probe it thereby saving valuable energy.

GROWING TIPS

Deadheading promotes longer flowering.

Mature Size: 15-18 in. Tall x 12-15 in. Wide

Hardiness Zone: 4-8

Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade

VIDEO

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American Beauties Offer Solution Based Plant Collections to Help you Choose

Quick Tips for Choosing Plants:

Planting a variety of native trees, shrubs, perennials and vines increases biodiversity and gives wildlife a source for food, cover and nesting
Choose a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees so birds and other wildlife will always be able to find shelter
Plant trees and large shrubs where they will block winter winds from the house and shade it in summer, that will save energy and lower your carbon footprint
Try your best to buy plants that were grown locally, your independent garden center will be your best bet
Think about ultimate height and width of the plant you choose, make sure it will fit the space you have for it when it's reached maturity
Plant nectar plants in groups, to attract butterflies and other beneficial insects more easily
Ask for help if you need it. Most garden centers either have a landscape designer on staff or they can give you a reference of a designer that is adept at native plant wildlife gardening. There will be upfront costs but they are small when compared to having to redo a landscape that wasn't what you really wanted

Our Plant Tags Hold the Secrets to Success

Choosing the right plants for your garden can seem like a daunting task but we’re here to help. Our horticulturists have spent a considerable amount of time researching and writing our beautiful, American Beauties plant tags to help you be successful. First of all, when you see an American Beauties branded pot at your garden center you can be confident that the plant is native to your area and a responsible choice.

When you look at our tag you’ll find information about the plants natural habitat. That will give you a clue to how it will work in your backyard. For instance if the plant is naturally founded and moist, shade and you have full sun, it’s not the plant for you. The “Features” section gives you an overview or plant description so you’ll know what to expect. While the “Benefits” section talks about the plants strong suits and how the plant will benefit wildlife.

A Special Note About Exposure

Full sun: Prefers six or more hours of direct sunshine a day
Partial shade: Thrives in three to six hours of daily sunshine
Shade: Generally does well with less than three hours of sun per day. Having said that even shade loving plants will struggle in extremely deep shade.

DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES

Best Plants for Bees - Double sided printout for download

Best Plants for Butterflies - Double sided printout for download

Best Plants for Birds - Double sided printout for download