Evening Primrose

Botanical name: Oenothera lamarkiana

Life cycle: Biennial

Height: 1 - 1.2 m

Position: Full sun

Soil preference: Well drained

Description

Evening primrose is a biennial growing to approximately 1 to 1.2 m in height. It initially grows as a rosette of oval to rounded matt green leaves from a thick yellowish root. In the second year, branching, reddish stems grow from the rosette with lance-shaped leaves and bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers which are borne on tall sturdy spikes. The blooms open from late afternoon and remain open throughout the evening, releasing its sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators, particularly moths.

Uses

Culinary –All parts of the plant are edible. The young roots have a slightly peppery taste and can be eaten raw, boiled like potatoes, or used as a root vegetable in bakes and stews.  Young shoots and leaves can be added to salads or cooked like spinach. The immature seed pods can be steamed or stir fried.  Young flowering stems can be peeled and eaten raw, fried, or pickled,  and the flowers can be used in green or fruit salads. The seeds can be roasted and are a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid .

Medicinal – The whole plant is used medicinally, externally for skin complaints and internally for coughs. The flowers, leaves and stem bark of evening primrose have astringent and sedative properties. Evening primrose has also been taken for digestive problems and asthma and used as a poultice to ease the discomfort of rheumatic disorders. The oil, applied externally, is beneficial in the treatment of eczema and other itchy skin conditions. The oil, in the form of a capsule, is taken for premenstrual problems, including tension and abdominal bloating. Evening primrose oil has also been used to successfully reduce symptoms of menopause including hot flushes, night sweats, headaches and fluid retention.

Growing conditions

This hardy plant prefers well-drained soil and thrives in full sun. It self-sows readily.

9cm pot.

Organically grown plant.