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 nativeOn the CSFS firewise listlow to medium water12–18 in tall and 6–12 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Oenothera speciosa
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 12–18 in tall and 6–12 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~8–12 in apart
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in 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
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Bloom color
- white, pink
- Bloom time
- mid spring, mid summer
- Pollinator value
- high
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
Things to know before you plant
- Spreads aggressivelyPink evening primrose, aggressive rhizomes, hard to remove
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
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 a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting evening primrose?
- The main things to know: Pink evening primrose, aggressive rhizomes, hard to remove
- How big does evening primrose get?
- It matures to about 12–18 in tall and 6–12 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant evening primrose?
- Space evening primrose about 8 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 12 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is evening primrose hardy on the Front Range?
- evening primrose is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- 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.
- Is evening primrose deer-resistant?
- evening primrose is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is evening primrose a good firewise plant near the house?
- evening primrose is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does evening primrose bloom?
- evening primrose blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
