Lemon Drop Evening Primrose (Oenothera 'Lemon Drop')

Lemon Drop Evening Primrose

Oenothera 'Lemon Drop'

Buttery yellow blooms glow at dusk, a soft beacon for pollinators. Compact flowering perennial; common name: Lemon Drop Evening Primrose.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Thrives in full sun to partial sun; tolerates light afternoon shade in hot, arid regions to prevent leaf scorch
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Watering Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil is completely dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Hardy to short-term -10°C frost; optimal growing range is 18–25°C; protect from prolonged freezing temperatures
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Narrow lanceolate leaves, medium green, with fine fuzzy texture and serrated edges
  • Flower: Cup-shaped bright lemon-yellow blooms, opening in evening and closing by midday
  • Stem: Slender upright green stems covered in short, soft hairs
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water 1–2 times weekly

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed once every 4 weeks. Discontinue fertilization in autumn to support natural dormancy

Banana peel compost tea:Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks to break down fully; steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestations
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the growing season
  • Trim back leggy stems in mid-summer to maintain a compact, clumping shape
  • Cut back foliage to 5 cm above soil level in late autumn to prepare for winter dormancy
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity symptoms

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental garden plant; supports nocturnal pollinators like moths and bees