Photo: Mason Brock (Masebrock), Public domain · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Missouri evening primrose (Oenothera macrocarpa): when and how to prune
Oenothera macrocarpa
Missouri evening primrose (Oenothera macrocarpa) is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–September |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Missouri evening primrose (Oenothera macrocarpa): when to prune it?
It is hardly pruned. In March, cut off the dead stems, before the new shoots appear.
What else to prune in those months? March
Missouri evening primrose (Oenothera macrocarpa): how to prune it?
- Cut dead or damaged stems to just above the ground.
- In March, shorten stems that are too long and bare to about 5–10 cm.
- During summer, remove spent flowers if you want a longer flowering.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Missouri evening primrose (Oenothera macrocarpa) flowers in June–September, when it attracts bees.
- If you only cut back in March, the old stems stand through the winter: insects overwinter in them and birds eat the seeds.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Missouri evening primrose (Oenothera macrocarpa) · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.