sundrops Interesting Notes

Confused for many years in the trade, we are proud to carry the true Oenothera fruticosa 'Fireworks'. Deep bronze foliage and striking red stems are contrasted by red buds opening to canary yellow blooms in June. Plants grow up to 18” tall but spread wide over time. The individual flowers may not last for more than a day or two, but they open in succession leaving the plant in continuous bloom. Burgundy rosettes in winter cover the ground and provide winter interest. ‘Fireworks’, also known as ‘Fyrverkeri’ is more compact and darker than 'Summer Solstice'. The most popular cultivar of the Oenotheras!

Oenothera fruticosa is native to dry soil, open fields, and open woods from Nova Scotia to Florida. It performs best in full sun to light shade in light and sandy soil. Overall, the plant has a vigorous and sprawling clumping habit. To encourage a new flush of growth and to prolong the flowering season, cut back foliage to basal crown mid-summer. An additional benefit to this plant is its evergreen basal rosette during the winter that becomes a bright green-red, which is great for groundcover to deter annual winter weeds in a planting.

Oenothera fruticosa supports specialist species, including Melissodes fimbriatus and Lasioglossum oenotherae. Moths pollinate the flowers, particularly Sphinx moths. Other occasional visitors include the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, honeybees and bumblebees. Sundrops are a cheerful addition to a perennial border and also look wonderful dotted into a warm-season grass meadow, bringing a punctuation of seasonal cheer as it blooms. We have noticed its ability to self-sow freely and that is a consideration when choosing this plant for a planting design. Unlike other plants in the genus Oenothera, O. fruticosa is easy to remove if it spreads beyond its original planting design. 

Oenothera fruticosa 'Fireworks' Growing and Maintenance Tips

Performs best in full sun to light shade in light and sandy soil. A vigorous, sprawling, clumping habit. Cut back foliage to promote a new flush of growth to prolong flowering season. Propagate by division, softwood cuttings or seed in early summer. A wonderful addition to borders and perennial beds.

Good Substitutions

Oenothera fruticosa