white evening primrose
Oenothera speciosa
USDA zones4 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size9 to 24 inches tall12 to 18 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- White maturing to rosy pink
- Foliage color
- Medium green. some leaves red in autumn.
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
White evening primrose (Oenothera speciosa) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, rock gardens, and ground cover. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist soil of most types. The white blooms age to rosy pink, and the seed capsules attract finches. Deer usually look elsewhere for a meal. It spreads to form large colonies, so give it room.
Pairs well with Butterfly milkweed, Blue sage, Little bluestem, and Prairie dropseed.
Native range
Southwestern United States to Mexico.