Oenothera fruticosa

Oenothera fruticosa is a native perennial with bright yellow cup shaped flowers that open during the day above narrow green foliage from late spring through summer. Its upright form and long blooming season bring cheerful color to sunny gardens while providing valuable nectar for pollinators and hummingbirds.

Height & Spread: 18 - 24 in x 24 - 30 in

Bloom Time: Late spring through summer

Light Requirements: Full sun

Soil Preference: Dry to average well drained soil

Watering Needs: Low; drought tolerant once established

Deer Resistance: Deer and rabbit resistant

Native Status

Oenothera fruticosa is native to eastern and central North America including New Jersey and is naturally found in meadows, fields, open woods, and other sunny habitats.

WILDLIFE & INSECTS

Hummingbirds

• Attracts hummingbirds which visit the bright yellow flowers for nectar and may also find insects around the plant.

Butterflies

• Provides nectar for butterflies and other daytime pollinators drawn to its long succession of yellow flowers.

Bees

• Supports native bees including specialized bees associated with Oenothera which gather nectar and pollen from the flowers.

Birds

• Produces seeds that can provide food for songbirds including goldfinches and Mourning Doves later in the season.

Spacing & Landscape Use

Spacing Recommendations

• Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow the spreading habit to develop while maintaining good airflow between plants.

Landscape Placement

• Well suited to native gardens, sunny borders, meadow plantings, rock gardens, and rain gardens where its yellow flowers provide a long season of color.

Companion Plants

• Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) - Adds vivid orange flowers and exceptional butterfly appeal during a similar summer bloom period.
• Coreopsis verticillata (Threadleaf Coreopsis) - Complements the yellow sundrop flowers with fine textured foliage and a similarly airy habit.
• Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Provides contrasting purple flowers and extended pollinator interest later in summer.
• Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Adds upright native grass texture and seasonal color among the bright flowers.
• Solidago rugosa (Wrinkleleaf Goldenrod) - Extends the display into late summer with golden flowers that continue supporting pollinators.