In 2 years they have languorously multiplied and spread inside the middle of my narrow Rooster bed. The clump is as high as my mid thigh and is behind 'Orange Matrix" Oriental Lily and in front of my 'Pink Champaign' Clematis and 3 or 4 Tiger Lilies. The Clematis flowers faded and disappeared a few days before the Yellow show started, and as you can see in the photo the lily tribe is holding back.
Pity.
I wanted them to be an Evening Primrose (because I like the character, Prim, in Hunger Games - I know it's silly), but they don't open in the evening. My little pretties are DIURNAL - which means they flower during the day. I learned a new word. So, based on THAT simple truth, I am convinced these are Sundrops.
Now which Sundrop is it, and why does it matter so much to me?
 |
| May 24 Sundrop blooms |
I live in Central Illinois in zone 5b (some say 6) so I went to Chicago Botanical Garden site to try and classify my Sundrops.
I have determined that I have Oenothera fruticosa 'Fyrverkeri' ('Fireworks')
Here's why: 1. The bud clusters are orange/red and 2. the stems die back (or maybe I cut them back...I don't remember) down to basal rosettes and turn reddish - purple in the fall and through the winter.
And by the way - Oenothera (Sundrops or Suncups) is a member of the Evening Primrose family - which makes me feel OK about being confused (geesh!!).
So, say hello to my little friend, Oenothera fruticosa aka 'Fireworks' Sundrop
 |
| Oenothera fruticosa aka 'Fireworks' Sundrop |
Mine are grown in mostly sun in amended clay soil - which means I throw a Sphagnum mix into the hole when I dig, then mulch. I water a few times with the miracle grow liquid fertilizer (with hose attachment). They like dryer conditions, so I don't water too much. The books say the blooms should last about 4 weeks. I'll have to pay attention to that the year.
Good companion plants for Sundrops, so says Chicago Botanical Gardens, are Hardy geraniums, Irises, catmints, Phlox and Speedwells - none of which are anywhere near my Sundrops =)
Such cheery blooms! We have many of these in the nursing home garden where I volunteer, and they have added such a bright note to the garden this week. Be careful what you wish for about the Evening Primrose, though--I had some volunteers appear in my garden last year, and though they had some pretty little blooms, they looked like they might take over my garden if I let them.
ReplyDeleteI think I believe you about a very likely hostile take over. I read to keep them in check to take a few plants from the perimeter of the plant....but it never said how often I'd have to do it. The blooms are still going strong! I will watch and plan my strategy of containment". Thanks Rose
ReplyDelete