Eremothera refracta Plant Care

Eremothera refracta (S.Watson) W.L.Wagner & Hoch

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Eremothera refracta is a species of evening primrose known by the common name narrowleaf suncup. It is native to the southwestern United States, especially desert areas.

Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–80°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Eremothera refracta?

Plant Eremothera refracta in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Eremothera refracta Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Eremothera refracta?

Eremothera refracta (Eremothera refracta) belongs to the Onagraceae family within the Eremothera genus. Eremothera refracta is native to the southwestern United States, especially desert areas.

Eremothera refracta displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Eremothera refracta produces bright yellow cup-shaped flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Eremothera refracta?

Water a young or newly planted Eremothera refracta every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Eremothera refracta Need?

Eremothera refracta thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Eremothera refracta Prefer?

Eremothera refracta tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Eremothera refracta prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

60–80°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Eremothera refracta?

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Eremothera refracta to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Eremothera refracta?

Feed Eremothera refracta every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Eremothera refracta?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Eremothera refracta is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Eremothera refracta?

Eremothera refracta can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Eremothera refracta?

Prune Eremothera refracta while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

How Do You Care for a Eremothera refracta in Winter?

Eremothera refracta is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Eremothera refracta?

Eremothera refracta can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.

Is the Eremothera refracta Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Eremothera refracta, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Eremothera refracta?

Eremothera refracta is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Eremothera refracta Need?

Eremothera refracta grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Eremothera refracta is native to the southwestern United States, especially desert areas. In cooler regions, grow Eremothera refracta as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Eremothera refracta is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Eremothera genus — compare its care with other Eremothera species on PlantoScan.

Eremothera is part of the Onagraceae plant family — browse all Onagraceae genera and species.

Eremothera refracta thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Eremothera refracta (S.Watson) W.L.Wagner & Hoch, family Onagraceae (first published in Syst. Bot. Monogr. 83: 210 (2007)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Eremothera refracta, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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