Missouri Evening Primrose
Oenothera macrocarpa
Missouri Evening Primrose (Oenothera macrocarpa) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 6–12 in tall and 18–24 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Large fragrant lemon-yellow flowers; mat-forming; very drought tolerant.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water6–12 in tall and 18–24 in wideXeric / water-wiseZones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: "190908 188 Chicago Botanic Gdn - Heritage Garden, Oenothera macrocarpa ssp fremontii 'Shimmer', Dichondra repens 'Silver Falls', Evolvulus glomeratus 'Blue Daze'" by cultivar413 is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 2: "CBG Evaluation Garden - Oenothera macrocarpa ssp fremontii 'Lemon Silver' 150623" by cultivar413 is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 3: "CBG Evaluation Garden - Oenothera macrocarpa Missouri Sundrops 150623" by cultivar413 is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 4: "Oenothera macrocarpa" by aspidoscelis is marked with CC0 1.0. To view the terms, visit https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/.
- Photo 5: "160706 103 Wave Hill - Wild Garden, Allium christophii Star of Persia in seed, Silene armeria, Oenothera macrocarpa, Tanacetum sp Feverfew" by cultivar413 is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 6: "190908 067 Chicago Botanic Gdn - Heritage Garden, Oenothera macrocarpa ssp fremontii 'Shimmer' Missouri Evening Primrose, Dichondra repens 'Silver Falls'" by cultivar413 is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- 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)
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control, Hellstrips / parking strips, Hot south- or west-facing walls
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 6–12 in tall and 18–24 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~17–24 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- mid summer, late summer
- Bloom color
- yellow
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
Planting & establishment
Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Missouri Evening Primrose good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Missouri Evening Primrose is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Missouri Evening Primrose get?
- It matures to about 6–12 in tall and 18–24 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Missouri Evening Primrose?
- Space Missouri Evening Primrose about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Missouri Evening Primrose hardy on the Front Range?
- Missouri 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 Missouri Evening Primrose need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Missouri Evening Primrose native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Missouri Evening Primrose deer-resistant?
- Missouri Evening Primrose is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Missouri Evening Primrose a good firewise plant near the house?
- Missouri 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 Missouri Evening Primrose bloom?
- Missouri 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.
