Oenothera xylocarpa Plant Care
Oenothera xylocarpa Coville
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Oenothera xylocarpa is a species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family known by the common name woodyfruit evening primrose. It is native to the Sierra Nevada of California, its range extending just into western Nevada.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Oenothera xylocarpa?
Water Oenothera xylocarpa every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Oenothera xylocarpa Native To?
What Is the Oenothera xylocarpa?
Oenothera xylocarpa (Oenothera xylocarpa) belongs to the Onagraceae family within the Oenothera genus. Oenothera xylocarpa is native to the Sierra Nevada of California, its range extending just into western Nevada.
Oenothera xylocarpa displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Oenothera xylocarpa produces large, showy yellow or pink blooms that open in the evening.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Oenothera xylocarpa?
Oenothera xylocarpa requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Oenothera xylocarpa Need?
Oenothera xylocarpa thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Oenothera xylocarpa Prefer?
Oenothera xylocarpa grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Oenothera xylocarpa prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Oenothera xylocarpa?
Well-draining, sandy soil with a neutral pH. Good drainage is essential for Oenothera xylocarpa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Oenothera xylocarpa?
Feed Oenothera xylocarpa every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Oenothera xylocarpa?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Oenothera xylocarpa?
Oenothera xylocarpa can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to common evening primrose plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Oenothera xylocarpa Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Oenothera xylocarpa, 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 Oenothera xylocarpa?
Oenothera xylocarpa is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, spider mites. 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 Oenothera xylocarpa Need?
Oenothera xylocarpa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Oenothera xylocarpa is native to the Sierra Nevada of California, its range extending just into western Nevada. In cooler regions, grow Oenothera xylocarpa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Oenothera xylocarpa 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 Oenothera genus — compare its care with other Oenothera species on PlantoScan.
Oenothera is part of the Onagraceae plant family — browse all Onagraceae genera and species.
Oenothera xylocarpa thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Oenothera Species
Other Oenothera species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Oenothera xylocarpa Coville, family Onagraceae (first published in Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 4: 105 (1893)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Oenothera xylocarpa, 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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