Oenothera missouriensis - Missouri Evening Primrose, Ozark Sundrop

I use Oenothera missouriensis frequently but have some cautions concerning its vigor. Oenothera missouriensis roots and runs with more enthusiasm than I am ready for in a civilized garden. When the garden can be a bit wild and plants can be left to fend largely for themselves then this is a great plant choice. Oenothera missouriensis is one of those plants that seem to laugh at danger. Drought rarely does much to slow Oenothera missouriensis. The Missouri Evening Primrose is a great addition to the fragrant garden with its late burst of fragrance. Oenothera missouriensis starts from seeds and the runners root in just a few weeks. Oenothera missouriensis will vine into adjoining plants and always seems to be up to some mischief. Then Oenothera missouriensis blooms with these knockout yellow flowers and all is forgiven again. This plant is also sold with the name Oenothera macrocarpa. A lacy textured relative, Oenothera fremontii Shimmer grows in the same conditions. Oenothera missouriensis will go winter deciduous in colder areas but is generally evergreen in our garden.

Other plants from the genus Oenothera featured on this site:
Oenothera cespitosa
Oenothera elata hookeri
Oenothera fremontii Shimmer
Oenothera speciosa