Origin
Oenothera tetragona Roth var. longistipata (Pennell) Munz is a species of evening primrose that is native to western North America, ranging from Washington and British Columbia in the north, down to California and Baja California in the south. It is commonly found growing in open spaces, such as fields and sandy areas.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Long-stemmed Evening Primrose, Long-stem Evening-primrose, or Narrowleaf Evening Primrose.
Appearance
The Long-stemmed Evening Primrose is known for its tall and slender stature, with heights ranging from 1-3 feet tall. Its stem is long and thin, hence its common name, and it is covered in fine hairs. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, measuring 1-2 inches long and up to ½ inch wide. They are sparsely covered with fine hairs on both sides.
The flowers of this plant bloom from May to August, and are typically 1-2 inches wide. They are yellow in color, sometimes with a hint of green, and have four petals. The flowers open in the evening and remain open throughout the night, emitting a sweet fragrance.
Uses
The Long-stemmed Evening Primrose has been used by Native Americans for its medicinal properties. The roots and leaves were used to create a poultice for treating bruises, wounds, and other skin ailments. The leaves were also brewed into a tea for relieving constipation and stomach aches.
The plant is also used in landscaping and gardening, as it can add a splash of color to gardens and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its hardiness and adaptability make it a popular choice for low maintenance gardens.
Light Requirements
Oenothera tetragona Roth var. longistipata (Pennell) Munz requires full sun to grow. It prefers bright light conditions, as it is a photosynthetic plant. Without enough sunlight, the plant may suffer from stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Oenothera tetragona Roth var. longistipata (Pennell) Munz to grow is between 20 - 25 °C. The plant prefers warm temperatures during the day and cooler temperatures at night. When the temperature falls below 18 °C, the plant's growth may slow down, and it may become susceptible to chilling injury.
Soil Requirements
Oenothera tetragona Roth var. longistipata (Pennell) Munz grows best in well-draining sandy or loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH and should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can result in stunted growth.
Cultivation methods
Oenothera tetragona Roth var. longistipata (Pennell) Munz, commonly known as Long-Stiped Evening Primrose, is a hardy perennial plant that grows well in USDA zones 5 to 8. It prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic and has good fertility. The plant should be placed in an area that receives full sunlight, but it can tolerate partial shade. Long-Stiped Evening Primrose is propagated by seed or division.
Watering Needs
Long-Stiped Evening Primrose prefers moderate watering, where the soil should stay evenly moist but not too wet. During the growing season, water the plant regularly, providing about an inch of water each week. Be careful not to overwater the plant, as excessive moisture can lead to rot.
Fertilization
The plant does not require heavy fertilization. But applying a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year is recommended to promote healthy growth. Use a slow-release granular fertilizer and mix it into the soil surrounding the Long-Stiped Evening Primrose.
Pruning
Long-Stiped Evening Primrose should be pruned after flowering to promote healthy growth and maintain its shape. Remove the dead flowers and any dead or damaged stems. When the plant becomes too leggy, pinch the tips of the shoots to promote bushier growth. To restrict its growth, cut back the entire foliage in early spring before the growing season starts.
Propagation of Oenothera tetragona Roth var. longistipata (Pennell) Munz
Oenothera tetragona Roth var. longistipata (Pennell) Munz can be propagated through various methods:
1. Seed Propagation
Seeds are the primary method of propagation for Oenothera tetragona Roth var. longistipata (Pennell) Munz. The seeds should be sown in the early spring after the first frost. Plant the seeds in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water them lightly. Germination should occur within two to three weeks. Thin the seedlings to a spacing of 12 to 18 inches once they are established.
2. Division
Dividing the mature plants is another way to propagate Oenothera tetragona Roth var. longistipata (Pennell) Munz. This should be done in the early spring before new growth appears. Dig up the root clump and use a sharp knife to divide it into sections. Each section should have several shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth as the original plant.
3. Cuttings
Oenothera tetragona Roth var. longistipata (Pennell) Munz can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take cuttings from the stem in the summer when new growth is present. Cut a 4-6 inch long piece of stem from the parent plant and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in well-drained soil. Water the cutting and place it in partial shade until it develops roots. Once the roots have developed, transplant the cutting to its permanent location in full sun.
Disease Management
One of the most common diseases affecting Oenothera tetragona Roth var. longistipata (Pennell) Munz is powdery mildew. This disease is caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, humid environments. To manage powdery mildew on this plant, it is important to keep the foliage dry as much as possible. This can be achieved by watering carefully and avoiding wetting the leaves. If powdery mildew does occur, it can be managed with fungicidal sprays that are specific to powdery mildew.
Another disease that can affect Oenothera tetragona Roth var. longistipata (Pennell) Munz is leaf spot. This disease is caused by several different fungi, and it often appears as circular spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, it is important to remove and destroy any infected leaves as soon as they are noticed. Fungicidal sprays can also be used to manage this disease.
Pest Management
Oenothera tetragona Roth var. longistipata (Pennell) Munz can be affected by several different pests, including aphids, spider mites, and thrips. These pests can cause damage to the leaves and flowers of the plant, stunting its growth and reducing its overall health. To manage these pests, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation. If pests are present, they can often be removed by hand or with a strong spray of water. Insecticidal soaps and oils can also be used to manage pest infestations.
Another pest that can affect Oenothera tetragona Roth var. longistipata (Pennell) Munz is the cutworm. These pests can cause significant damage to the stem of the plant, often destroying young plants completely. To manage cutworms, it is important to keep the area around the plant free of debris and weeds, as these can provide a habitat for the pests. Bacillus thuringiensis is an effective insecticide that can be used to manage cutworms.
