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Description
Oenothera Pallida, commonly known as pale evening primrose, is a biennial or short-lived perennial flowering plant belonging to the genus Oenothera. The plant is native to eastern and central North America and is widely cultivated in gardens for its showy, fragrant, and pale yellow flowers. The plant can grow up to 1-2 feet tall and has an upright growth habit. The leaves of the plant are lance-shaped and can grow up to 6 inches long. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer and has a short lifespan of about 2-3 years.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Onagraceae |
| Genus | Oenothera |
Appearance
Oenothera Pallida has a distinctive appearance with its pale yellow flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers are 2-3 inches wide and have four petals that form a cross. The petals are crinkled and have a slightly ruffled appearance. The plant has an upright growth habit and can grow up to 1-2 feet tall. The leaves of the plant are lance-shaped and can grow up to 6 inches long. The leaves are light green in color and have a slightly hairy texture.
Care Guide
Oenothera Pallida is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires minimal maintenance. Here are some care tips:
- Water: The plant requires moderate watering. Water the plant once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Oenothera Pallida is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, the plant may be susceptible to powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. To prevent these diseases, ensure proper air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. The plant may also attract aphids, spider mites, and slugs. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control these pests.
Habitat
Oenothera Pallida is native to eastern and central North America and can be found in prairies, meadows, and open woods. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. The plant is widely cultivated in gardens for its showy flowers and is also used in herbal medicine.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Oenothera Pallida poisonous?
A: No, Oenothera Pallida is not poisonous and is safe to grow in gardens.
Q: How often should I water Oenothera Pallida?
A: Water the plant once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Q: Can Oenothera Pallida grow in shade?
A: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
Q: How long does Oenothera Pallida bloom?
A: The plant blooms from late spring to early summer.
Related Plants
- Oenothera biennis
- Oenothera fruticosa
- Oenothera macrocarpa
- Oenothera speciosa
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Oenothera pallida. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=h850.
- North Carolina State University Extension. (n.d.). Oenothera pallida. Retrieved from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/oenothera-pallida/.
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension. (n.d.). Pale Evening Primrose. Retrieved from https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/pale-evening-primrose/.
