Oenothera tetraptera Cav.
Frost tender perennial with branching stems and lance-shaped, somewhat pinnatifid leaves, to 9cm, and white flowers, ageing to red, in summer and autumn. To 30cm. [RHSD, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘This is another newly discovered [species], which, like most of its kind, displays its beauties chiefly in the night. It is the only one, as far as we yet know, that has white blossoms; these, when first expanded, are beautifully so, but in the morning they change to a purple colour, fade, and their place is supplied by a fresh succession. […] It was raised from seeds sent by Mr. Donn, from Cambridge; but was probably first introduced into this country from seeds sent to the Marchioness of Bute, by Prof. Ortega, of Madrid.’ [BM t.468/1800]. Introduced to Britain in 1796. [PD].
History at Camden Park
Listed in the 1845, 1850 and 1857 catalogues [H.173/1845].
Notes
Published Oct 13, 2009 - 03:18 PM | Last updated Jul 28, 2010 - 03:38 PM
Oenothera tetraptera Cav. | BM t.468/1800 | BHL
| Family | Onagraceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Texas to South America |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Fourwing Evening Primrose |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Oenothera tetraptera |
| Confidence level | high |