With the common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) you not only get an extremely decorative ornamental plant in the garden, but also a medicinal herb that is highly valued in medicine. The roots and leaves of the evening primrose were even used as food by Native Americans. An extremely versatile crop that can easily be cultivated in the garden.
The common or common evening primrose owes its name to the fact that its bright yellow flowers only open in the evening. This is where nicknames like “Night Star” or “Evening Flower” come from. At night, the beautiful blossoms of the evening primrose and their aromatic scent magically attract moths. The numerous he alth effects of the plant are as mysterious as its flower properties. Because evening primrose has been used for centuries as an exclusive medicinal herb that can help with everything from skin to metabolic ailments.
Common evening primrose as medicinal and kitchen herb
Because of its healing properties, the evening primrose was often cultivated in apothecary gardens in the past. You can plant the medicinal plant yourself in the herb garden (e.g. with lavender and holy herb) or in the vegetable patch. The leaves and flowers as well as the seeds and roots of the plant are then harvested.
Blossoms and leaves can be used, for example, to make tea, as a spinach-like vegetable side dish or as an ingredient in salads. The plant parts are completely non-toxic and also taste highly aromatic.
The roots of the Oneothera biennis can in turn be processed into root vegetables. They are also known as "ham root" or "ham sauerkraut" because they turn pink when cooked and serve as a meat substitute because of their high starch content. They are prepared in the same way as other turnip vegetables (e.g. salsify).
Valuable evening primrose oil is made from the seeds of the common evening primrose. It is one of the most important herbal medicines in the world and is used in medicine to treat all kinds of he alth problems. These include, in particular, serious skin diseases and skin problems such as
- Acne
- Eczema
- Skin Inflammation
- Skin dryness
- itching
- Atopic dermatitis
- psoriasis
- Injuries
menopausal symptoms.
The extraordinary healing effect of the oil is largely based on the active ingredient gamma-linolenic acid, which is present at 8 to 14% in evening primrose oil. A lack of linolenic acid is said to be responsible for the skin complaints typical of the disease in neurodermatitis sufferers, which is why evening primrose oil is a wonderful treatment measure. In addition, the oil contains a variety of he althy unsaturated fatty acids that stimulate the metabolism and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Common evening primrose in the garden
There is a lot to be said for cultivating the evening primrose as a useful plant. Not only because of their healing properties, but also because of their high ornamental value. Oenothera biennis is a real enrichment for many a traditional garden concept, even if it is not actually native to us. Because the common evening primrose is a plant from the New World. It originally comes from North America, where it was a Native American medicinal plant long before it was discovered by European healers.
Oneothera biennis was finally introduced to Europe in the 17th century. Since then it has also thrived in domestic gardens and has become a traditional plant in cottage gardens, among other things. There the evening primrose harmonises wonderfully with other magnificent perennials typical of the cottage garden such as
- Coneflower
- Larkspur
- Scarlet Carnation
Oenothera biennis does well in combination with other flowering plants, which is why the flowering perennial is often planted in the flower garden. Here, for example, a combination of evening primrose and sunflowers, spurflowers or fine rays (annual fleabane) can be planted. The common evening primrose is also a nice idea for the natural garden. Since they are in the course ofIt has adapted very well to the Central European climate for centuries and is hardy down to -34 °C, the evening primrose species goes wild relatively easily. It has therefore long been an integral part of our natural wild flora. Here, as well as in flower beds and borders, the beautiful medicinal and ornamental plant serves as a beneficial pasture. So it's also a real blessing for bees, bumblebees and other beneficial garden insects.
Common evening primrose - location and sowing
The evening primrose prefers a sunny, dry, humus and nutrient poor soil. A good lime content of the soil is also desirable if the evening primrose is to thrive well. In its natural distribution areas, it can be found mainly on gravel roadsides, in gravel pits, quarries and on gravel and sand banks. The site substrate in the garden should therefore be sandy-loamy or gritty-loamy. The optimum soil pH value is in the neutral range of 6.5 to 7.5 points.
» Tip: The common evening primrose can also be planted in pots. Here it is advisable to use herbal soil as a soil substrate and to mix it with 30 percent sand.
➔ Instructions for sowing in 3 steps
1. Step:
Since the evening primrose prefers sunny and warm locations, sowing from late spring to midsummer is a good idea. It is best to choose a date after the ice saints to ensure that there is no threat of ground frost after sowing. If you intend to harvest the roots of the plant, do not sow too late in the summer to allow the rhizomes to develop well before harvest.
2. Step:
Before sowing, dig up the site soil outdoors well and install a soil drain for improved water drainage. You should also drain pots sufficiently before sowing. Choose a planter that will comfortably accommodate the root ball of the plant. The substrate itself should be optimized with sand or gravel.
3. Step:
Evening primroses need light to germinate. The sowing of the evening primrose seeds is therefore carried out at a maximum sowing depth of 1 to 2 cm. Press the seeds only lightly and then keep them well moist. After about three to four weeks, the seeds should have germinated. Then separate the young plants to a distance of 30 to 40 cm.
Common evening primrose - water and fertilize
Because Oneothera biennis likes to be in dry locations, short dry periods don't bother her. Only has to be used for longer periods of droughtbe cast outdoors. But be careful to avoid waterlogging here. Potted cultures need to be watered more often. Always water here as soon as the topsoil has dried out.
Even when it comes to fertilization, the common evening primrose is not particularly complex. Because they prefer barren outdoor locations, fertilization in the bed is rarely necessary. In the pot, it is sufficient to provide the plants with a handful of herbal fertilizer two to four weeks before flowering. Alternatively, you can use compost or horn shavings.
Common evening primrose - cut and propagate
Common evening primrose thrives beautifully even without pruning. If you want to use Oneothera biennis as a cut flower for bouquets, simply remove a few beautiful specimens from the flowering shoots during the flowering period - from June to September. In addition, occasional pruning measures can influence the plant's propagation and flowering habits.
➔ Summer Cut
If you want to avoid self-sowing the common evening primrose, you should cut out wilted shoots after flowering before the fruit ripens. Removing faded shoots can also prolong the flowering period and promote a second flowering
➔ Pruning
Oneothera biennis is usually cultivated for one to two years. In order for the plant to grow vigorously again in the second year, it is advisable to cut back close to the ground before the vegetation phase. It is best to shorten the plant towards the end of winter (in February) and leave wilted plant parts on the plant until then as a light winter protection.
In autumn, the evening primrose develops small capsule fruits that spread outdoors without the gardener having to do anything. If you want controlled sowing for propagation, you can collect the seeds from the plant and then sow them in seed pots as usual. Alternatively, there is the possibility of rejuvenating the common evening primrose by root division. This may even extend the lifespan of the perennial beyond two years.
Evening Primrose - Diseases and Pests
There are a few harmful symptoms that can make life difficult for the evening primrose. This includes, for example, downy mildew. It usually occurs as a result of a location that is too damp and cool and can be recognized by the floury white coating on the underside of the evening primrose leaves.
Even flea beetles occasionally attack the plant. These are actually not "fleas" at all, but small, blue-black or dark green onesleaf beetle. However, the females like to lay their eggs in holes in the ground around the plant roots, which later serve as a food source for the larvae. Above ground, an infestation can be recognized by sieve-like feeding holes in the plant leaves.
Against downy mildew as well as flea beetles, spraying with various solutions and manure can help. For example, downy mildew can be treated well with milk-water solutions. In addition, the plant should get a sunnier and drier location in the future. It is also important to prevent root rot. Once the perennial is affected, it can hardly be saved and may have to be disposed of.
For soil flakes, plant manure made from garlic, onions, wormwood or tansy have proven effective. Pollination of the plants with algae lime also helps. Since the evening primrose is very fond of lime anyway, it doesn't mind the lime treatment.