Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) have abundant and sweetly scented yellow flowers which open in the evening time to attract moths and other pollinators . Flowers are born from strong stems which rise above rosettes of long lanceolate green leaves. Growing up to 1m in height, they can flower continuously from June to September.
Native to North America, it has become widespread and naturalised in many other regions. Most well know for Evening Primrose Oil which is produced from the seeds – certain strains have been selected for use as an oilseed crop. All parts of the plant are edible. The leaves and flowers can be used in salads and the fleshy roots can be cooked (if harvested before the plant blooms).
A biennial, evening primrose can be sown in-situ during Spring where they will have time to build up enough energy in their roots to regrow from the following year. Alternatively, plant in pots in a protected environment in Autumn and plant out the following Spring when risk of frost has passed. The seed is tiny and doesn’t like to be buried so simply sprinkle seeds on top of compost in a seed tray. Then pot up when seedlings are large enough to handle. Self seeds readily on disturbed soil.
