What soil does Sundrops grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous.

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Sundrops flower?

Flowering: June–September, yellow.

How much water does Sundrops need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Sundrops cost?

It sells for roughly €4.70 to €5.80 in local shops, depending on size.

Sundrops

Oenothera fruticosa

Sundrops (Oenothera fruticosa) is a perennial. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €4.70.

Illustration of Sundrops — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

An easy, sun-loving perennial whose bright yellow, four-petalled flowers open by day, unlike most evening primroses, and follow each other for weeks. It is happiest in poor, dryish, well-drained soil, where its basal rosettes slowly knit into a patch. If the foliage looks tired after flowering, cut the stems back to the rosettes.

Watch out for

No serious pests or diseases. It rots in soil that stays wet in winter, so improve drainage on heavy ground. It spreads by basal rosettes and some self-seeding, so divide it every few years and pull out surplus plants; this species is not one of the weedy, invasive biennial evening primroses.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Low
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 50 cm × 45 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–September, yellow

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	50 cm × 45 cm
Ultimate size	30–90 cm × 30–90 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Flowering	June–September, yellow
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	35 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €4.70

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €4.70 – €5.80

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Perennials that flower all summer Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant perennials Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Perennials for pollinators Low-maintenance perennials

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