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| General Information: (847) 835-5440 Media Only: Julie McCaffrey (847) 835-8213 jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org |
For Immediate Release |
Chicago Botanic Garden Evaluates Sundrops and Evening Primroses
Plant Evaluation Notes Identifies Best Plants for Midwest
Glencoe, Ill. (March 29, 2005) – The Chicago Botanic Garden is releasing results of a five-year comparative study of sundrops and evening primroses (Oenothera) in its 26th issue of Plant Evaluation Notes: “A Garden Study of Sundrops and Evening Primroses.”
Sundrops and evening primroses are common names for different species of Oenothera. Both are easy-to-grow perennials for groundcovers, summer borders and wildflower gardens. In this trial, almost all Oenothera, regardless of common name, bloomed during the day. Many sundrops and evening primroses have richly colored autumn leaves.
The Chicago Botanic Garden evaluated 19 species and cultivars of Oenothera from 1998 to 2003, to determine which were the outstanding sundrops and evening primroses for Northern gardens. The plants were observed for ornamental traits, disease and pest resistance, cultural adaptability and winter hardiness. Sixteen of the 19 taxa lived for the full five-year evaluation term. Three taxa died during the first growing season or the first winter and were not retested, including Oenothera ‘Apricot Delight,’ O. ‘Lemon Sunset’ and O. versicolor ‘Sunset Boulevard’.
Sundrops and evening primroses thrive in full sun but tolerate light shade. Although most species prefer fertile, well-drained soils, Oenothera speciosa may spread rapidly to become weedy in rich or highly fertile soils. They are quite adaptable to droughty conditions once established, but are intolerant of poorly drained soils. Although few diseases or pests trouble Oenothera, root rot is a problem in wet soils, and flea beetles can disfigure foliage and stunt plant growth.
More than half the sundrops and evening primroses under evaluation finished the trial with a good or excellent rating. The heavy-flowering Oenothera speciosa ‘Siskiyou’ and O. fruticosa ‘Fyrverkeri’ had the most impressive floral displays each year, as well as healthy growth and winter hardiness, giving these taxa five-star excellent ratings. Oenothera speciosa ‘Siskiyou’ grows 17 inches high by 35 inches wide and has 2-inch pale pink flowers with a yellow eye. It blooms from late May to early July with 80 to 100 percent flower coverage, green summer foliage and red fall color. Oenothera fruticosa ‘Fyrverkeri’ (‘Fireworks’) grows 27 inches high by 30 inches wide and has 2-inch yellow flowers. It blooms from early June to early July with 80 to 100 percent flower coverage, green summer foliage and burgundy fall color.
Other taxa receiving high ratings because of repeat blooming include Oenothera acaulis ‘Aurea’ (3-inch peachy yellow flowers), O. fremontii ‘Lemon Silver’ (3-inch pale yellow flowers, silver-green foliage), O. macrocarpa (3 1/2-inch lemon yellow flowers) and O. macrocarpa ‘Silver Blade’ (3-inch lemon yellow flowers, silvery gray foliage).
The Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Notes provide the latest information on plant species suited to the Midwestern climate and growing conditions. Cost is $3 per copy. To obtain Issue 26, “A Garden Study of Sundrops and Evening Primroses,” write to the following address:
Plant Evaluation Notes
c/o Richard Hawke
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022
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Editors, please note: The Chicago Botanic Garden’s newsroom is online at www.chicagobotanic.org/pr. For digital images, contact Julie McCaffrey at (847) 835-8213 or at jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org.
The Chicago Botanic Garden is a 385-acre living plant museum featuring 23 distinct display gardens surrounded by lakes, as well as a prairie and woodlands. With events, programs and activities for all ages, the Garden is open every day of the year, except Dec. 25. Admission is free; select event fees apply. Parking is $15; free for members. On Tuesdays, senior citizens age 62 and older pay just $7 for parking. The Garden is located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, Ill. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org, or call (847) 835-5440 for seasonal hours, images of the Garden and commuter transportation information.
The Chicago Botanic Garden is owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and managed by the Chicago Horticultural Society. It opened to the public in 1972 and is home to the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden, offering a broad array of adult classes in plant science, landscape design and gardening arts. The Center for Teaching and Learning brings the wonder of nature and plants to children, teens and teachers. Horticultural Therapy and Community Gardening provide nationally recognized community outreach and service programs. Through the Institutes of Plant Conservation and Ornamental Plant Research, Garden scientists work on plant conservation, research and environmental initiatives that have global impact. The Chicago Botanic Garden is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is a member of the American Public Gardens Association (APGA). In 2006, the Chicago Botanic Garden received the Award for Garden Excellence, given yearly by the APGA and Horticulture magazine to a public garden that exemplifies the highest standards of horticultural practices and has shown a commitment to supporting and demonstrating best gardening practices.
Owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and managed by the Chicago Horticultural Society
