Is White-tufted Evening-Primrose good for the Colorado Front Range?

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

How far apart do I plant White-tufted Evening-Primrose?

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

Is White-tufted Evening-Primrose hardy on the Front Range?

White-tufted 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 White-tufted Evening-Primrose need?

It needs low to medium water once established.

How long does White-tufted Evening-Primrose bloom?

White-tufted 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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White-tufted Evening-Primrose

Oenothera caespitosa

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

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

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

Photos

Photo 1: (c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 2: (c) James Telford, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 3: Stan Shebs, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 4: (c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 5: MtBotany, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 6: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 4 to 8
Water needs: low to medium 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: late spring, early summer, mid summer
Bloom color: white, pink
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 White-tufted Evening-Primrose good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, White-tufted Evening-Primrose is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does White-tufted Evening-Primrose get?: It matures to about 6 in tall and 12 in wide.
How far apart do I plant White-tufted Evening-Primrose?: Space White-tufted Evening-Primrose about 8 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 12 in apart for a looser planting.
Is White-tufted Evening-Primrose hardy on the Front Range?: White-tufted 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 White-tufted Evening-Primrose need?: It needs low to medium water once established.
Is White-tufted Evening-Primrose native to Colorado?: Yes. It is a Colorado native.
How long does White-tufted Evening-Primrose bloom?: White-tufted 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.