Oenothera Evening Primrose from the family Onagraceae.
Jekka's Herb of the month, October
" Evening Primrose is a herb with enormous potential: all parts of the plant are edible, and it has tremendous medicinal properties, first recognised by the American Indians hundreds of years ago. It is also a very pretty, easy-to-grow garden plant". Jekka McVicar
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Evening Primrose (also known as Evening Star, Fever Plant, King's cure-all and Moths Moonflower) was first introduced to Europe in 1614. |
Jekka's Herb Farm currently grows five varieties of Oenothera
Evening Primrose..all of which are hardy and can be planted in autumn for spring flowering. |
Onothera biennis Evening Primrose
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Oenothera biennis
Evening Primrose flower |
Botanists brought it from Virginia as a botanical curiousity. Many strains of Evening Primrose came to Britain as stowaways in soil used as ballast in cargo ships. |
According to ancient herbals, the plant was said to dispel the ill effects of wine, but both plant and seed have been used for culinary and medicinal purposes by American Indians for hundreds of years.
The Flambeau Ojibwe tribe used to soak the whole plant in warm water to make a poultice to heal bruises and skin complaints. Traditionally it was also used to treat asthma. |
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| Today it has some renown in the treatment of pre-menstrual tension, but is also undergoing extensive research for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. |
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The common name, Evening Primrose, comes from the transformation of its bedraggled daytime appearance into a fragrant, phosphorescent, pale yellow beauty with the opening of its flowers in early evening.
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All of this show is for one night only, however. Towards the end of summer the flowers tend to stay open all day long. It is also called the Evening Star because the petals emit phosphorescent light at night.
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Propagation
Seed: Sow in early spring on the surface of pots or plug trays, or in late spring direct into a prepared site in the garden. Seed is very fine so be careful not to sow it too thickly. When the weather has warmed up sufficiently, plant out at a distance of 30cm apart. Often the act of transplanting Oenothera biennis will encourage the plant to flower during the first year. This variety self seeds prolifically, so once introduced, there it will remain.
Garden Cultivation: Evening Primrose prefers a well-drained soil in a dry, sunny corner for the best results. It is an extremely tolerant plant, happy in most situations.
Container Growing: The lower-growing varieties such as
Oenothera macrocarpa or
Oenothera speciosa are very good when grown in window boxes or tubs. Tall varieties such as
Oenothera biennis need support from other plants, or stakes. It is O. biennis which has the medicinal properties.
Harvesting: Use fresh leaves as required. Best before flowering. Pick the flowers when in bud or just open. Use fresh. Picked flowers will always close and are no good for flower arrangements. Collect the seeds as the heads begin to open at the end. Store in jar for sowing in the spring. Dig up roots and use fresh as a vegetable or to dry.
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Lower-growing varieties such as Oenothera macrocarpa are more suited to container growing
Oenothera fruticosa 'Youngii'
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Evening Primrose can have startling effects in the treatment of pre-menstrual tension, and further research has shown effective treatment in eczma, hyperactivity and depression.
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Oenothera fruticosa subsp. glauca (tetragona) AGM
Evening Primrose Tetragona
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Uses
Culinary: Evening Primrose is a pot herb: roots, stems, leaves and even flower buds may be eaten. The roots can be boiled - they taste like sweet parsnips - or alternatively pickled and tossed in a salad.
Medicinal: Soon, Evening Primrose will take its place in the hall of herbal fame. Research has shown effective treatment of pre-menstrual tension, ectopic eczema and hyperactivity. The oil also appears effective in counteracting alcohol poisoning, withdrawal from alcohol and easing depression. It helps dry eyes and brittle nails, and when combined with zinc, the oil may be used to treat acne.
Controversy has arisen over claims that Evening Primrose benefits sufferers of multiple sclerosis. Further claims state it is effective in guarding against arterial disease; the effective ingredient, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is a powerful anti blood clotter.
Other claims include Evening Primrose oil aiding weight loss, and also helping to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Other uses: Leaf and stem can be infused to make an astringent facial steam. Add to hand cream as a softening agent. |
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How to Order: we currently grow 5 varieties
of Evening Primrose .
Click on each image for more info':
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