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Intermediate Evening Primrose

Oenothera x fallax

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Myrtales
Family:
Onagraceae (Willowherb)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Biennial
Maximum Size:
60 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Beaches, gardens, roadsides, sand dunes, seaside, wasteland.

Flower:
֍
Yellow, 4 petals
 
The flowers are bright yellow and cup-shaped. Flowers each measure 4 to 5cm across. The sepals are bent backwards and striped red. Flower buds are red with 8 thin vertical green stripes. The long flower styles and stamens are approximately the same length as each other. The similar looking Large-flowered Evening Primrose has a style which is longer than its stamens.
Fruit:
Seed capsules, 2 or 3cm in length.
Leaves:
The crinkled leaves are simple, broadly lance-shaped and pointed. Leaves alternate along the stems on both sides. Each of the stem hairs have a red blotch at their base. Intermediate Evening Primrose is an uncommon hybrid between Large-flowered Evening Primrose (Oenothera glazioviana) and Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis).
Aroma:
Intermediate Evening Primrose is fragrant, in particular in the evening.
Other Names:
False Evening Primrose, Hybrid Evening Primrose.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Oenothera x fallax, also known as the false evening primrose or hybrid evening primrose, is a hybrid plant in the evening primrose family. It is a cross between two species of evening primrose, Oenothera biennis and Oenothera stricta. Oenothera x fallax is a perennial herb that grows to a height of about 60 cm (2 feet). It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves and small, yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. The flowers are a popular nectar source for bees and other insects. Oenothera x fallax is often used in gardens as an ornamental plant, either as a standalone herb or in containers. It is generally easy to grow and does well in well-draining soil. It can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including drought, making it a good choice for dry gardens.

Blog

Intermediate Evening Primrose (Oenothera x fallax) is a beautiful wildflower that is a hybrid of the common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) and the scarlet evening primrose (Oenothera speciosa). This hybrid plant is a delight to see in the garden, and its hardy and adaptable nature makes it an ideal plant for gardeners of all skill levels.

Intermediate evening primrose is native to North America and is widely distributed throughout the country. It grows in a variety of soils and conditions, including rocky or sandy soils, dry or moist soils, and in full sun or partial shade. This versatility makes it a great option for gardeners who want to add some color and beauty to their garden, but are limited by the type of soil or growing conditions they have.

The intermediate evening primrose produces large, vibrant yellow flowers that bloom in the evening and close in the morning. The flowers are approximately two inches in diameter and are held on tall, sturdy stems that can reach up to three feet tall. The plant also has large, hairy leaves that provide a nice contrast to the bright yellow flowers.

One of the best things about intermediate evening primrose is that it is very easy to care for. It requires very little maintenance, and once it is established, it will grow and bloom with little to no attention from the gardener. In fact, this plant is often used in garden beds as a low-maintenance option for gardeners who want to add some color without having to spend a lot of time caring for the plants.

Intermediate evening primrose is also a great choice for gardeners who want to attract pollinators to their garden. The bright yellow flowers are a favorite of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and they provide a valuable source of food and habitat for these important creatures.

In addition to its beauty and ease of care, intermediate evening primrose also has a number of other benefits that make it a great plant to include in your garden.

One of these benefits is its drought tolerance. This plant can withstand periods of dry weather without needing to be watered, making it a great choice for gardeners who live in areas with low rainfall or who are looking to conserve water in their garden.

Another benefit of intermediate evening primrose is its ability to naturalize and spread. This means that once you have planted the seeds, they will self-sow and grow into new plants, creating a beautiful display of yellow flowers in your garden year after year.

Additionally, intermediate evening primrose is also a great plant for cut flower arrangements. The long stems and vibrant yellow flowers make for stunning bouquets, and the plant can be cut and brought indoors to enjoy in a vase.

Finally, intermediate evening primrose is also a great option for gardeners who want to add some color to their garden in the evenings. The bright yellow flowers are most visible in the evening, making it a great plant to include in your garden for those evening walks or outdoor gatherings.

Intermediate evening primrose is a great plant to include in your garden for its beauty, versatility, and low-maintenance requirements. It also has a number of other benefits, such as its drought tolerance, ability to naturalize, usefulness as a cut flower, and evening visibility, making it an all-around great choice for gardeners.

In addition to its attractive appearance, intermediate evening primrose has also been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. The plant contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It is also a rich source of antioxidants and vitamins, making it a great plant to include in your garden for its health benefits.

The roots and leaves of intermediate evening primrose can be used in a variety of different ways to help treat a range of conditions. For example, the roots and leaves can be brewed into a tea or made into a poultice that can be applied directly to the skin. The oil extracted from the seeds can also be used as a dietary supplement or applied topically to the skin to help treat conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and arthritis.

However, it is important to note that while intermediate evening primrose has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries, it is not recommended to use it as a sole treatment for any medical condition. If you are interested in using intermediate evening primrose for its health benefits, it is important to talk to your doctor or a qualified health professional first.

In conclusion, intermediate evening primrose is not only a beautiful and versatile plant for your garden, but it also has a range of health benefits that make it a great choice for anyone looking to improve their overall health and wellness. So why not try growing some intermediate evening primrose in your garden this year and enjoy not only its beautiful appearance, but also its potential health benefits.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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