Oenothera lindheimeri 'Rosyjane' — A Hardy's Original and a True Colour Break
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Oenothera lindheimeri 'Rosyjane' is one of the most significant plants to come out of the Hardy's breeding programme — and one we are enormously proud of. Named in honour of Hardy's founder Rosy Hardy, this exceptional perennial represents a genuine first: the original true colour break in the Oenothera lindheimeri (formerly Gaura) genus, with its distinctive large flowers of pure white edged with a delicate pink picotee.
A Plant with a Story
Bred here at Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants at our Hampshire nursery and launched at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2008, 'Rosyjane' was registered under Plant Breeders' Rights (EU PBR 2007/2908; USPP) and carries international recognition through both European and US plant patents — a testament to just how significant this colour break was in the world of ornamental horticulture.
You may also know this plant by its synonym: Gaura lindheimeri 'Rosyjane' — the name under which it first gained recognition before the genus was reclassified.
Why It's Special
'Rosyjane' produces an abundance of large, airy flowers — white with a soft pink picotee edge — on graceful, wand-like stems throughout the entire summer. It is a plant of real elegance, bringing an airy grace and gentle movement to the border, attractive to bees and pollinators, and utterly reliable in the right conditions.
- Hardiness: H4 — hardy through most of the UK (-10°C to -5°C)
- Soil: Well-drained — essential for long-term performance
- Aspect: Full sun
- Height × Spread: 75cm × 50cm
- Growing medium: All our plants are grown peat-free
How to Grow It
Good drainage is the key to success with 'Rosyjane'. In autumn, cut the growth back to around half height — this keeps the plant tidy and, importantly, reduces wind rock on the roots over winter. Then after the last frosts in spring, cut back hard to approximately 5cm from ground level. This encourages strong, fresh regrowth from the base as the season warms.
In the Border
With its airy habit and long flowering season, 'Rosyjane' works beautifully as a mid-border plant, softening more structural planting and swaying gracefully on a summer breeze. It pairs particularly well with ornamental grasses, salvias, and other sun-loving perennials.
As Seen in the Press
Rosy Hardy's exceptional eye for plant selection has not gone unnoticed. Writing in Gardens Illustrated in 2014, the magazine highlighted her rigorous approach to breeding, noting that every plant she considers must meet a demanding checklist: is it different in colour, habit, height, or does it thrive in different conditions to related plants? Does it re-bloom? Does it have particularly good foliage? 'Rosyjane' — alongside Geum 'Totally Tangerine' (bred by Tim Crowther of Walberton Plants and introduced by Hardy's at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2010) — was cited as a prime example of that discerning selection in action.
Rosy also selected 'Rosyjane' as one of her top plants for hot and sunny sites in her book 25 Years of Chelsea — a personal endorsement that speaks volumes about the plant's outstanding performance in the conditions it loves best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oenothera 'Rosyjane' hardy in the UK?
Yes — 'Rosyjane' is rated H4, meaning it is hardy through most of the UK, tolerating temperatures down to -10°C. Good drainage is the most important factor in ensuring it survives winter successfully.
What is the difference between Oenothera and Gaura?
Gaura lindheimeri has been reclassified as Oenothera lindheimeri — they are the same plant. You may still find 'Rosyjane' listed under either name.
Can I grow Oenothera 'Rosyjane' in a pot?
It is possible in a large, deep container with excellent drainage, but 'Rosyjane' performs best in open ground where its roots can establish freely.
When should I cut back Oenothera 'Rosyjane'?
Cut back to around half height in late autumn to reduce wind rock over winter, then cut hard back to approximately 5cm after the last frosts in spring to encourage strong new growth from the base.
What does the picotee edge mean?
A picotee edge refers to a contrasting colour at the petal margins — in 'Rosyjane's case, a delicate pink edging on otherwise pure white flowers. It was the first time this colouring had been achieved in the Oenothera lindheimeri genus.
Available by mail order across the UK, or come and find us at our Hampshire nursery.