Oenothera fruticosa 'Fireworks' - Evening Primrose
DESCRIPTION
Fireworks Sundrops / Evening PrimroseOenothera 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.