Back     Planting Calendar      Favourite links      Web Design      About our Gardens      Homeopathics  

Oenothera biennis
Evening Primrose

               Onagraceae

When we first planted this happy herb we expected it to be a quick and exciting annual. It proved not to be the case. It germinates quickly and settles well but then begins a long period in which it grows and grows and doesn't get any taller but spreads horizontally layering larger leaves that cover the garden with green rosettes.


It wintered in this situation and then came spring. The stems rose skyward and buds began to appear in profusion.

 


30 seeds $3.50

 


The roots and tops can be boiled in honey to give a soothing cough syrup but it's finest properties are in the oil from the seeds that we use to lower blood pressure, relieve eczema and arthritis  and improve the skin.

All in all we would not be without it and plant new seed six months into the old season so that the garden never is bare of Evening Primrose.

This herb not only will survive in impoverished soils but the oil quality is improved by poor soil.