evening primrose
Oenothera speciosa
evening primrose (Oenothera speciosa) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 12–18 in tall and 6–12 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Fire-wise zone 1-2 perennial; ignitability rating 8.0/10.
Colorado nativelow to medium water12–18 in tall and 6–12 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Oenothera speciosa
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 12–18 in tall and 6–12 in wide
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- full sun
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- white, pink
- Bloom time
- mid spring, mid summer
- Pollinator value
- high
- Good for
- slope
Planting & establishment
Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is evening primrose good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes. evening primrose is included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a perennial suited to Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does evening primrose get?
- It matures to about 12–18 in tall and 6–12 in wide.
- How much water does evening primrose need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is evening primrose native to Colorado?
- Yes — it is a Colorado native.
