Oenothera fruticosa (Sundrops)

One of the prettiest species of the genus, Oenothera fruticosa (Sundrops) is an upright clump-forming biennial or perennial boasting showy clusters of large, saucer-shaped, bright yellow flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), atop reddish, slender, hairy stems clad with lance-shaped green leaves.

One of the prettiest species of the genus, Oenothera fruticosa (Sundrops) is an upright clump-forming biennial or perennial boasting showy clusters of large, saucer-shaped, bright yellow flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), atop reddish, slender, hairy stems clad with lance-shaped green leaves. Blooming profusely from late spring to early summer, the flowers open during the day, hence the common name of sundrops, and give way to club-shaped seed capsules which persist into autumn. They rise from a reddish-purple rosette which is evergreen in mild winter areas. A valuable plant for its ability to grow in poor soils and tolerate drought. Provides a bold splash of color in the summer garden.

  • Grows up to 2 ft. tall and wide (60 cm). This perennial wildflower spreads rapidly under favorable conditions but does not usually become aggressive.
  • Best in full sun in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates poor soils, drought and light shade.
  • Great choice for prairies and meadows, wildflower gardens or naturalized areas. May be planted in beds and borders or as a groundcover.
  • Keep an eye out for leaf spot, powdery mildews, downy mildews, root rot, slugs and aphids.
  • Propagate by division in early spring, or by softwood cuttings of unflowered shoots from late spring to midsummer.
  • Native to eastern North America.

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 8

Heat Zones 1
– 8

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Oenothera – Primroses – Sundrops
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early)
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 24″ (60cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Birds, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow