The MGS Forum
Plants for mediterranean gardens => Perennials => Topic started by: JTh on July 14, 2011, 08:34:46 AM
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Here is another herbaceous perennial native to the southern U.S. states and Mexico, Oenothera speciosa, which seems to be well adapted to the mediterranean region. Speciosa means showy, and the pink, rather large flowers are really showy, especially when there are many of them forming a carpet. The stems grow up to 50 cm in height, producing flowers continuously on the upper leaf axils. I got a small clump from somebody in the next village here in Halkidiki some years ago, they have spread very nicely and flower all through the summer. It is drought-resistant and likes full sun; I know it may be invasive, since it spreads by both runners and seeds, but I have not found it to be a problem here, where I am very happy for anything that grows without needing a lot of attention (watering).
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On the way to work yesterday I noticed that in Wandsworth Park, just by the river Thames, London. This Oenothera was being used as the edging plant in their summer bedding scheme. It was in full flower and very effective.
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Then let me continue here with the Oenotheroa speciosa. This plant starts off being perfect in every way - green and bushy with big pink flowers - see first photo of a plant self-sown this year. By the fifth year even with some water it starts the year well but ends looking like the second photo, and without irrigation it looks like photo three. In future I'll rip out the old plants and leave it to self-seed, I think.
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Fleur's comments above were prompted by her identification of a photo taken by Hilary which you can see by clicking here (http://www.mgsforum.org/smf/index.php?topic=432).
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Oenothera another winner which requires little to no attention. Yes it will get very leggy and scruffy at which time it gets weeded. It does grow outwards and will fill any gaps.
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A different Evening Primrose, Oenothera biennis, taken this morning after a very unseasonal overnight rain shower.
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Our first Evening Primroses of the year, seen from the kitchen window this evening as I went to close the blinds. Photos not brilliant as I could not use the flash, our security light came on every time I moved!
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My favourite Evening Primrose is Oenothera acaulis.
It comes from South America and is soundly perennial in our climate.
In the evening the sparkling white flowers open and in the morning it collapses. If the weather is hot the flower simply shrivels away but if the day is cool and overcast the flower re-opens a soft pink in the evening.
These pics are from over the past few years,
cheers
fermi