Oenothera fremontii Shimmer
Shimmer Evening Primrose
Details
'Shimmer' is about foliage, flowers, texture and an exciting new look in the world of native plants. Originally discovered by Lauren Springer Ogden and Scott Ogden, this new evening primrose cultivar is an attention-getting plant in and out of bloom. A burst of 3" diameter, lemon-yellow flowers light up the plant in late spring, followed by flashes of flowers throughout the summer. The extremely narrow gray-green, almost silver leaves have such incredible texture that it is invaluable when contrasting with other colors and types of foliage. I recommend pinching the stem tips several times in spring to create more branching and "thicken up" the plant with more foliage. Good for Firescaping. Try companion plants such as Lavender 'Mitcham Grey,' Gaillardia and Salvia 'Wild Thing.' (cutting propagated). 2007 Plant of the Year.| Associated SKUs HBLM4XX |
HBLM421 (Plant - 2.5" deep pot) - Out of stock. 72122 (Plant - 5" deep pot) |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Shimmer Evening Primrose |
| Botanical Name | Oenothera fremontii Shimmer |
| Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun |
| Mature Height | 6-8" tall |
| Mature Spread | 15" wide |
| Bloom Time | Late spring to late summer |
| Ships As | Potted Plant |
| Native | Yes |
| Planting Time | Spring / Summer, Fall |
| Soil Type | Clay Soil, Sandy Soil, Average Soil |
| Soil Moisture | Drought Resistant / Waterwise |
| Amount of Rain | 10 to 20", 20 to 30", 30 to 40" (with care) |
| Advantages | Deer Resistant, Attract Butterflies, Attract Hummingbirds, Easy to grow, Fragrant Flower / Foliage, Good for Containers, Groundcover, Native, Good Rockgarden or alpine plant, Low Maintenance, Great for Mass Plantings, Adds Texture |
| Special Groups | High Country Gardens Introduction |
| Ideal Region | Southwest, West |
| Neonicotinoid-Free | Yes - Learn More |
| Ships to Hawaii, Alaska & Canada | No |
Planting Guides
- Plant in low fertility ("lean") soil including dry clay, positioned in full sun. Mulch with gravel or not at all.
- Water regularly the first growing season to establish the plant. Thereafter, infrequent but deep watering is all this plant needs.
- Deadheading is not needed as these are naturally long blooming species. Fertilize lightly in the fall with Yum Yum Mix. Special comments
- Oenothera are tap rooted plants and does not like to be transplanted once established. Don't divide as they resent having their roots disturbed.
- Leave standing over the winter and cut back hard, leaving 2 to 3 inches of stems above ground.
- O. speciosa 'Rosea' is a showy everblooming species that can spread aggressively and should not be planted into areas where it's enthusiastic nature can be a problem. Deadheaded to reduce reseeding. Dig out suckering roots when spreading too wide.
- Watch for flea beetles (small metallic green beetles) which can defoliate the plants in late spring/early summer.
View more Planting Guides, or download our complete Planting Guide for tips on caring for your plants when you receive your order, as well as planting instructions for Perennials, Spring-Planted Bulbs, Fall-Planted Bulbs, Cacti & Succulents, Xeric Plants and more.
Shipping
Plant Shipping: Buy now and we will ship your order at the ideal planting time for your region. Expected ship week will display on the cart at checkout after you enter your zip code. Spring-Planted Perennial and Bulb orders will ship from Feb 25 through mid-June, warmest zones first.
Most plant and bulb orders arrive within 2-6 days, or less, of leaving our greenhouses in Colorado. This prompt delivery is provided without additional express charges.
Grass Plugs Will ship at planting time in spring, beginning in late February.
Wildflower Seed & Grass Seed Orders ship within 2-3 days.
Standard shipping costs are $4.99 and up, depending on the size of the order.
Make Fast Even Faster: For ‘Rush’ same week delivery, please call customer service at 800-925-9387.
Reviewsby PowerReviews
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 8 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
67%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Hardy (4)
- Attractive (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden (4)
- Outdoors (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Avid gardener (4), Master gardener (3)
- Primary use:
- Personal (7)
Reviewed by 8 customers
Displaying reviews 1-8
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Attractive
- Hardy
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
Comments about High Country Gardens Oenothera fremontii Shimmer:
Looks great at the front of the border.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Comments about High Country Gardens Oenothera fremontii Shimmer:
I love this plant! I had one before, that lived about three seasons, and was absolutely glorious. I have re=ordered twice, and both times, the plants didn't live through the summer, never even bloomed. Not sure what the problem is.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
Comments about High Country Gardens Oenothera fremontii Shimmer:
I love this cultivar, but, of 5 plants, only one has survived. They were planted in a dry garden of mostly native mineral soil with minimal amendment. Only one plant of the original trio survived. Despite deep watering, the two replacement plants shriveled up during the hot and dry summer part of summer. As much as I would like more of 'Shimmer', I'm not sure it's worth the effort.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
- Outdoors
Comments about High Country Gardens Oenothera fremontii Shimmer:
The first time I ordered and planted this it grew but died in a hailstorm. I got another one and it has bloomed all summer long, looking great and surviving 3 hailstorms plus a terribly dry year. It has spread to be a little over a foot wide. It is on the edge of the yard by the sidewalk and is tough enough to survive kids, dogs and occasionally the newspaper thrown on top of it.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Hardy
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
- Outdoors
Comments about High Country Gardens Oenothera fremontii Shimmer:
well, I ordered 3 of em, deep pots 3 seasons ago. 2 were robust, 1 was puny, but all 3 have survived the drought and the cold. they hardly flower. indeed, the above display picture has more blooms than total number of blooms that I have seen in person. nice feathery silver-gray foliage.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Attractive
- Hardy
- Healthy
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- May stop blooming rather early.
Best Uses
- Outdoors
Comments about High Country Gardens Oenothera fremontii Shimmer:
This plant is very attractive. Blossoms will remain depending on the individual plant it seems, but ours will bloom from late spring to just past mid summer usually. It spreads and can be be relocated safely or one plant may provide the starters for others. This plant will appreciate water but will last through drought. I enjoy this in my flower bed greatly.
Gregg
- Primary use:
- Personal
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Gregg
A sample flower.
(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Attractive
- Hardy
- Healthy
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Outdoors
Comments about High Country Gardens Oenothera fremontii Shimmer:
I have used 'shimmer' in multiple landscapes in the Salt Lake City area (Zone 6) with great success. It always looks great: flowers are a softer shade of yellow and bloom for a long time and foliage is interesting. Especially when compared to the rangier weedy oenothera available.
- Primary use:
- Business
Comments about High Country Gardens Oenothera fremontii Shimmer:
This plant has to be planted so that it is back lit. I did not do that, so the foliage is blah. Also, it has never bloomed. I live in Abilene, TX which is zone 7.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Displaying reviews 1-8
Q & A
Suggested Companion Plants:
USDA Hardiness Planting Zones
To determine if a plant is sufficiently cold hardy, the USDA created numbered zones indicating winter low temperatures; the lower the zone number the colder the winter.
- If the coldest winter temperature expected in your area is -15°F (zone 5) then any plants rated zones 3-5 will survive the winter temperatures in your area.
- If you live in very warm winter areas (zones 9-11) plants with zones 3-4 ratings are not recommended. The lack of freezing winter temperatures do not provide a time for winter dormancy (rest).
Find Your Planting Zone:
Enter your Zip Code to find your USDA Planting Zone
Merchant response: Thank you for your feedback Lauren. We sincerely apologize that our Oenothera fremontii Shimmer did not meet your expectations. Being a perennials we would certainly expect for you to see blooms next season. There are many variables in gardening but we are committed to your success and stand behind all our products with our 100% guarantee. Please contact us so that we may assist you with a solution. Happy Gardening!