Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Oenothera biennis L. var. grandiflora (L‘Hér.) Lindl.

Fully hardy, erect, hairy annual or biennial with bowl-shaped fragrant flowers opening in the evening, initially pale-yellow and darkening to deep golden-yellow, from summer to autumn.  The variety grandiflora has larger flowers than the species.  To 1.5m.  [RHSE, Hortus].

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘[Oenothera biennis var. grandiflora] is not uncommon in gardens; it is one of the handsomest of all biennials, and as easily manged as the common Oenothera biennis itself.  The seeds should be sown in midsummer; and the plants so obtained should remain in their seed-bed till the next year, when they will flower.  It is a bad plan to transplant them, as it prevents their blooming well; and it is unnecessary, for if they are thinned when young, they will require no further care.’  [BR f.1604/1833].  Oenothera grandiflora has been cultivated in Europe since 1778.  [Don].  BM t.2068/1819.

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [H.164/1843].

Notes

See also Godetia grandiflora Lindl., another, but less likely, possibility for Macarthur’s Oenothera grandiflora.

Published Oct 12, 2009 - 03:05 PM | Last updated Aug 17, 2011 - 03:43 PM

Figured are lance-shaped leaves and bowl-shaped yellow flowers.  Curtis's Botanical Magazine t.2068, 1819.

Oenothera biennis L. var. grandiflora (L’Hér.) Lindl. | BM t.2068/1819 | BHL

 

Family Onagraceae
Category
Region of origin

North America

Synonyms
Common Name

Evening Primrose

Name in the Camden Park Record

Oenothera grandiflora

 

Confidence level medium