Large-Flower Evening Primrose, Redsepal evening primrose

Oenothera glazioviana

Physical Characteristics

Oenothera glazioviana is a BIENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to October, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies), bees. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

A hybrid of garden origin, probably O. grandiflora x O. elata.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Oil Root Shoots Edible Uses: Oil Root - cooked. Boiled and eaten like salsify[144]. Fleshy and succulent. Young shoots - raw or cooked[144]. Mild and inoffensive[144] Seed contains 28% of a drying oil[114]. It is edible and a very good source of gammalinolenic acid[141], an essential fatty acid that is not found in many plant sources and has numerous vital functions in the body. Difficult to harvest, it has to be done by hand[160].

Medicinal Uses

Anticholesterolemic Astringent Hypotensive Miscellany Sedative The oil in the seeds is anticholesterolemic, astringent, hypotensive, sedative[4, 21]. Reduces cholesterol levels[66]. Research suggests that the oil is potentially very valuable in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, pre-menstrual tension, hyperactivity etc[66].

Known Hazards

None known