Oenothera curtiflora (syn. Gaura parviflora), known as velvetweed, velvety gaura, downy gaura, or smallflower gaura, is a species of flowering plant native to the central United States and northern Mexico, from Nebraska and Wyoming south to Durango and Nuevo Leon.
Velvetweed is fairly resistant to disease and typically not prone to illnesses. Still, it can be affected by pests and diseases present in its environment. Such infections are generally mild. Regarding care, the plant requires moderate maintenance. It should be pruned regularly to preserve a neat appearance and support healthy growth. Fertilizing can also encourage it to flower. Velvetweed is appropriate for anyone with outdoor space, like a garden or patio, and does not demand extensive care experience. When grown indoors, it may need more attention.
How to keep Oenothera Curtiflora.
Light
Velvetweed grows best when bathed in abundant sunlight but can tolerate less-than-complete exposure. Unrestricted sunlight encourages vigorous growth, while a moderate decrease in solar exposure can slow its development. Its native habitat has conditioned it to prefer this amount of sun. Both excessive shade and extreme exposure can lead to poor plant health.
Temperature
Velvetweed is naturally suited to temperatures between 68 and 95°F (20 and 35℃). Originating from temperate habitats, it typically favors warm climates. Depending on the geographic location, seasonal temperature adjustments may be necessary.
Fertilizer
Once most of Velvetweed's blooms have opened to full size, you should resume fertilizing. Around the time the blooms are at their peak, begin fertilizing again every three to four weeks, as weather permits. Then, when Velvetweed starts producing fewer new blooms, stop fertilizing; there is no need to feed the plant if it can no longer produce more blooms.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Annual
- Genus
- Oenothera
- Family
- Onagraceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9
- Mature Height
- 0.2 m to 3.05 m
- Mature Spread
- 1.22 m
- Leaf Color
- Green, Blue
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Flower Size
- 0.51 cm
- Bloom Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer
- Native Area
- Mexico
Other names.
