Cleland's evening primrose (Oenothera clelandii)

Also known as: Cleland's Evening Primrose

Cleland's evening primrose is a resilient plant that flourishes in dry, well-drained soils typical of arid and semi-arid regions. It features tall, slender stalks and lance-shaped leaves. Its striking yellow flowers open in the evening, emitting a sweet fragrance that attracts nocturnal pollinators such as moths. Adapted to thrive in disturbed or open ground, this hardy plant is well-suited to varying environmental conditions.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Cleland's evening primrose

Lifespan

Biennial, Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

30 cm to 91 cm

Spread

30-40 cm (12-16 inches)

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

3-5 cm (1.2-2 inches)

Flower Color

Yellow

Images of Cleland's evening primrose

Quickly Identify Cleland's evening primrose

Oenothera clelandii can be identified by its lance-shaped leaves, yellow four-petaled flowers, and its habit of blooming in the evening. The stems are typically reddish and the plant grows erect.

Scientific Classification of Cleland's evening primrose

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Myrtales

Family

Evening primrose

Genus

Evening Primrose

Species

Cleland's evening primrose

Planting and Growing of Cleland's evening primrose

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Terracotta, Plastic

How to Water Cleland's evening primrose?

For Oenothera clelandii, water the plant until the soil is thoroughly moistened but not waterlogged. A key principle is to provide enough water to penetrate deeply into the soil, promoting root growth. Aim for about 250 ml of water per session, allowing excess to drain away.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Cleland's evening primrose? ›

What should I do if my Cleland's evening primrose is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Cleland's evening primrose? ›

How to save an overwatered Cleland's evening primrose? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Cleland's evening primrose?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6-8 hours daily

Oenothera clelandii thrives best in full sun, receiving about 6 to 8 hours of light daily. Ideal light ensures robust growth, vibrant blooms, and healthy foliage by fulfilling its energy requirements for photosynthesis.

What is the ideal light source? ›

How to achieve the ideal light conditions? ›

What are the benefits of ideal light? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Cleland's evening primrose?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Why is an ideal temperature range important for Oenothera clelandii? Maintaining an ideal temperature range of 60-75°F ensures optimal growth and flowering. This range supports vital physiological processes, enabling the plant to thrive and produce vibrant blooms. Temperatures in this range simulate the natural conditions of their native environment, promoting photosynthesis efficiency and preventing stress.

What Soil is Best for Cleland's evening primrose?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6 ~ 7.5

Oenothera clelandii thrives best in soil that offers excellent drainage. Good drainage helps prevent root rot, a common issue with stagnated water, ensuring healthy root development and vigorous growth. Soil enriched with moderate organic matter supports the nutritional needs of Oenothera clelandii. Organic matter enhances nutrient availability, improving plant vigor and flowering capacity. The plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels, between 6.0 to 7.5. This range optimally facilitates nutrient uptake, contributing to the plant's overall health and reproductive success.

How to Fertilize Cleland's evening primrose?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Oenothera clelandii, a balanced N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is ideal. When using liquid fertilizer, dissolve 10 ml in a liter of water for young plants. Mature plants may require up to 20 ml per liter, depending on growth observation.

How to Prune Cleland's evening primrose?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Start by removing any dead or damaged stems and leaves. This not only enhances the plant’s appearance but also prevents potential sources of disease from affecting healthy growth. Focus on cutting back overgrown branches to shape the plant. Remove branches that cross or overcrowd other parts to increase sunlight and air penetration, which promotes healthier blooms. Make your cuts just above a leaf node or a bud. This technique encourages new growth in the right direction and makes for a more aesthetically pleasing plant. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Cleland's evening primrose plant?

Propagate Time: Spring,Early spring

Select a well-draining potting mix suitable for propagating Oenothera clelandii. Ensure the soil is slightly moist before sowing seeds or placing cuttings.

Using a sterile cutting knife, take 4-6 inch cuttings from a healthy parent plant. Ensure the cuttings have at least a couple of leaves and avoid taking blooming parts.

Insert the cuttings or seeds into the prepared trays, ensuring they are at the right depth. Water them lightly to settle the soil, being cautious not to waterlog.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Cleland's evening primrose plant?

Repotting frequency: Once every two years

Look for signals like roots protruding from the drainage holes, slowed growth, or compacted soil that doesn't retain water well to know it's time to repot Oenothera clelandii.

Opt for a pot that's only slightly larger than the current one to ensure proper root system development. The new pot should have ample drainage holes, which prevent waterlogging and root rot, ensuring healthier plant growth.

A well-draining sandy mix is ideal as it mimics Oenothera clelandii's natural habitat and prevents issues related to water retention, promoting healthier growth conditions.