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Oenothera versicolor 'Sunset Boulevard'
sundrops 'Sunset Boulevard'
This upright perennial produces a striking display of cup-shaped flowers that shift colour as they age, opening in warm yellow-orange...
approx 100 seeds
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Plant description
This upright perennial produces a striking display of cup-shaped flowers that shift colour as they age, opening in warm yellow-orange tones before deepening to rich red. Blooming freely from early summer to autumn, it brings long-lasting impact to borders, gravel gardens, and coastal planting schemes. The narrow mid-green foliage often develops bronze tints in spring and autumn, adding further interest.
Flowers open in daylight and are lightly scented in the evening, attracting pollinators and night-flying moths. Oenothera versicolor ‘Sunset Boulevard’ thrives in well-drained soil and sunny conditions, tolerating drought once established. If left to self-seed, it will reappear in following seasons, weaving through other plants to create a naturalised effect.
Flowers open in daylight and are lightly scented in the evening, attracting pollinators and night-flying moths. Oenothera versicolor ‘Sunset Boulevard’ thrives in well-drained soil and sunny conditions, tolerating drought once established. If left to self-seed, it will reappear in following seasons, weaving through other plants to create a naturalised effect.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun
Rate of growth
Average
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
How to care for Oenothera versicolor Sunset Boulevard:
Plant in full sun and well-drained soil, avoiding heavy, waterlogged ground. Water regularly during the first season to help establish strong roots, but reduce watering once the plant is mature, as it is drought tolerant. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering, or leave some seed heads if you want it to self-seed.
Cut stems back to ground level in late autumn to tidy up and encourage healthy regrowth. In very exposed or wet areas, provide some protection to prevent crown rot over winter.
Cut stems back to ground level in late autumn to tidy up and encourage healthy regrowth. In very exposed or wet areas, provide some protection to prevent crown rot over winter.
Sowing instructions:
Sow seeds indoors in spring or direct into the garden after the last frost. Use well-drained seed compost and lightly cover the seed, keeping it just moist until germination, which can take 2-3 weeks. If sowing indoors, maintain a temperature of 18-21°C (64-70°F), and transplant seedlings into individual pots once large enough to handle.
Harden off gradually before planting out in a sunny, sheltered spot. Space plants to allow good airflow and to give them room to develop their natural bushy shape.
Harden off gradually before planting out in a sunny, sheltered spot. Space plants to allow good airflow and to give them room to develop their natural bushy shape.
Please note:
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
