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Hooker's Evening Primrose

Oenothera elata subsp. hookeri

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Care

Sun

full sun, part shade

Water

low

Soil

Medium, Slow; Tolerates virtually any soil.

Size

5–5ft tall , 3–3ft wide

Bloom

Jun-Nov

Fragrant

Yes

Flowers

Prized

Native Range

Coastal bluffs and grassland from Humboldt County to Santa Barbara County, sea level to 1000 ft elevation

Care Guide

Planting

Plant Hooker's Evening Primrose in full sun or part shade in spring or fall. It's unfussy about soil - it tolerates virtually any type, including poor drainage - so amend only if you want to. Space plants about 2-3 feet apart to accommodate the basal rosette, and choose a spot where you're willing to pull seedlings, since this plant self-sows prolifically.

After Planting

Water weekly during the first summer, then taper to once weekly or less once established - this plant is surprisingly drought tolerant and needs minimal water after year one. In winter, you can prune it hard to control the tall, rangy growth (it reaches 3-5 feet), and it will recover quickly; this is also when woody stems develop with age. Expect flowers in summer and fall of the second year onward, and be prepared to deadhead or pull seedlings throughout the growing season to prevent unwanted spread. The #1 mistake: overwatering - this drought-tolerant plant actually prefers dry conditions once established, so let it dry out between waterings.

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