The beautiful bloom has edible and ornamental benefits.
Fragrant, four-petaled flowers bloom above a basal rosette of leafy, branched stems.
Still, it has pretty, lemon-scented yellow flowers that lure many gardeners with their beauty.
Soil
Another major requirement for growing evening primrose successfully is soil that boasts good drainage.
That being said, the soil should still retain moisture, just not become water-logged.
Consider adding a thick layer of mulch atop the soil to help keep the roots cool throughout the summer.
Evening primrose can grow well even in rocky, sandy soil.
Be sure to discard the spent flowers instead of letting them fall to the ground.
Propagating Evening Primrose
The easiest way to propagate evening primrose is by seed.
During the second year, a tall, stiff flower stem shoots up out of this base.
The four-petaled blooms that begin emerging at the start of summer are about 1 inch wide.
If you choose to pot evening primrose, select a deep container.
Overwintering
Evening primrose is a hardy perennial and can survive colder, winter weather.
Root rot is also a possibility if evening primrose is overwatered, so be sure the soil is well-draining.
Pull the plants to prevent the spread.
The roots, shoots, and seeds of evening primrose are edible.
Their taste is described as sweet and sometimes peppery.
Since the plant self-seeds aggressively, deadhead and remove the flowers before seeds can form.
Each plant blooms prolifically, so you have to stay vigilant to avoid the spread of seeds.
Two flowers from the same genus would make good alternatives to evening primrose.
How to Use Mulching and Avoid Overwatering in Summer Vegetable Gardens.
Native Plant Facts: Evening primrose.
Signs and symptoms of plant disease: Is it fungal, viral or bacterial?Michigan State University Extension.
Gray mold in the flower garden.
University of Minnesota Extension.
