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Fireworks Evening Primrose

Oenothera fruticosa 'Fireworks'

American Beauties®
  • Red Buds Explode into Canary Yellow Blooms on Burgundy Stems for Dual-Color Drama
  • Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
  • Grows 1-2 ft Tall, 1 ft Wide
  • Showy Yellow Blooms From Early Summer to Late Summer
  • Deer Resistant, Heat Tolerant
$3694
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Plant Characteristics Low Maintenance, Flowering, Groundcover, Attracts pollinators, Deer-resistant, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Slopes/Erosion Control
Hardiness Zone 4a8b
Sunlight Full sun
Height 1-2 ft
Width 1 ft
Watering Needs Low
Preferred Soil Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate Moderate
Growth Habit Spreading, Upright
Plant Life Cycle Biennial, Perennial
Blooms In Summer
Flower Color Yellow
Foliage Color Green, Yellow, Red, Variegated
Fragrant Yes
Native Yes
Suitable Space Outdoors, Container
Botanical Name Oenothera fruticosa 'Fireworks'
Species fruticosa
Cultivar Fireworks
Class Myrtales
Does Not Ship To AK, HI, ID, MT, PR
E
Elizabeth (United States)
Sturdy yellow evening primrose plants doing well

I had gorgeous yellow evening primroses (oenothera, about 18" high) in my ever-blooming garden in the Finger Lakes area of Upstate New York. I've had a hard time finding a similar evening primrose since moving to Maryland. I tried native seeds but they towered over everything (better for lining a highway, imho). The description of this variety (Fireworks Evening Primrose) sounded a lot like what I had enjoyed. The July shipping of the 3 containers I ordered went well, with the plants arriving ready for transplant. I think the nursery cut back the plants after their summer flowering. So the plants seem to be getting established, adapting to the hot afternoon sun on a gentle slope that recently was bare. They are looking very healthy, and they aren't trying to grow tall (which they shouldn't after summer flowering). I'm hopeful that this month's progress will lead to a wonderful show next summer.

Fireworks Evening Primrose is a good match for what you're describing from your Finger Lakes garden. It stays compact and well-behaved, which sounds like exactly what you needed after your experience with the towering native seedlings. Getting them established on that slope this summer sets them up well, and the root system will have time to settle in before next season. We hope the show next summer is everything you're anticipating. Thanks for planting with us, Elizabeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones can Fireworks Evening Primrose grow in?
  • Fireworks Evening Primrose thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-9. This native perennial prefers full sun to partial shade, with light shade recommended in the hotter zones. Plant it in any moist, well-drained soil for best establishment.

How tall and wide does Fireworks Evening Primrose get at maturity?
  • Fireworks Evening Primrose stays compact at 12-18 inches tall and wide at maturity. This smaller size makes it perfect for edging garden beds or tucking into rock gardens where larger perennials might overwhelm. Shop at Nature Hills for this space-efficient native.

What type of soil does Fireworks Evening Primrose prefer?
  • Fireworks Evening Primrose thrives in any moist, well-drained soil and isn't particular about soil type. Once established, this hardy native becomes drought-tolerant and handles poor soils well. Plant it in well-draining conditions and water regularly the first season until roots develop.

How often should I water my Fireworks Evening Primrose once established?
  • Once established, Fireworks Evening Primrose is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. This hardy native thrives in well-drained soil and can handle dry conditions. Water only during extended dry periods or when foliage shows signs of stress.

When does Fireworks Evening Primrose bloom and what color are the flowers?
  • Fireworks Evening Primrose blooms from spring through early summer with bright canary yellow flowers that emerge from striking red buds. The long-blooming display continues for months, providing consistent color in zones 4-9. Plant in sunny locations for best flowering performance, available at naturehills.com.

Is Fireworks Evening Primrose deer resistant?
  • Yes, Fireworks Evening Primrose is deer resistant, making it ideal for naturalized prairie plantings and sunny beds. This hardy native thrives in zones 4-9 without deer browsing concerns. Plant it in rock gardens or hot, dry areas where deer pressure is high for best results.

What are good companion plants to grow with Fireworks Evening Primrose?
  • Fireworks Evening Primrose pairs beautifully with other drought-tolerant natives like purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, and ornamental grasses. Its compact size and bronze foliage create striking contrast with silvery artemisia or blue salvia. Plant these combinations in full sun for a low-maintenance pollinator garden that thrives in zones 4-9.

Should I cut back or deadhead Fireworks Evening Primrose after blooming?
  • Fireworks Evening Primrose doesn't require deadheading during its long spring and summer bloom period. The plant naturally dies back to the ground in autumn, at which point you can prune it down. Let it bloom freely through the season, then cut back once dormant.
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