Is Howard’s Evening-Primrose good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Howard’s Evening-Primrose is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.

How far apart do I plant Howard’s Evening-Primrose?

Space Howard’s Evening-Primrose about 8 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 12 in apart for a looser planting.

Is Howard’s Evening-Primrose hardy on the Front Range?

Howard’s Evening-Primrose is hardy in USDA 4 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.

How much water does Howard’s Evening-Primrose need?

It needs low water once established.

How long does Howard’s Evening-Primrose bloom?

Howard’s 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.

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Howard’s Evening-Primrose

Oenothera howardii

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-30

Howard’s Evening-Primrose (Oenothera howardii) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 6 in tall and 12 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. CO native perennial; supports pollinators.

Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water6 in tall and 12 in wideXeric / water-wise

Photos

Photo 1: Stan Shebs, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 2: Stan Shebs, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 3: (c) runcator, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 4: Stan Shebs, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 4 to 8
Water needs: low water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: clay, loam, sandy
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate
Site uses: Slopes & erosion control

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 6 in tall and 12 in wide
Planting spacing: ~8 to 12 in apart

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: mid spring
Bloom color: yellow
Bloom length: Long (several weeks)
Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Not rated
Colorado native: Yes
Native ecoregion: shortgrass prairie, foothills

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Planting & establishment

Native perennial; deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.

Frequently asked questions

Is Howard’s Evening-Primrose good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Howard’s Evening-Primrose is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does Howard’s Evening-Primrose get?: It matures to about 6 in tall and 12 in wide.
How far apart do I plant Howard’s Evening-Primrose?: Space Howard’s Evening-Primrose about 8 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 12 in apart for a looser planting.
Is Howard’s Evening-Primrose hardy on the Front Range?: Howard’s Evening-Primrose is hardy in USDA 4 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
How much water does Howard’s Evening-Primrose need?: It needs low water once established.
Is Howard’s Evening-Primrose native to Colorado?: Yes. It is a Colorado native.
How long does Howard’s Evening-Primrose bloom?: Howard’s 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.