evening primrose
Oenothera biennis
RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size3 to 5 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Yellow
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a perennial for pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, meadows, and borders. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and dry to average, sandy or loamy soil. Its lemon-scented yellow flowers open in the evening and close by noon. Deer tend to browse other plants first. Birds eat the seeds, so leave some seed heads standing.
Pairs well with Little bluestem, Nodding onion, and Virginia rose.
Native range
North America, District of Columbia, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and 3 more places. See all 7
North America, District of Columbia, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Prince Edward I., Québec, and Rhode I..