With fragrant and showy four-petaled white and/or pink flowers in the shape of bowls, beginning late spring; flowers open evening to morning (or when skies are cloudy) and last a few days. Stems may sprawl or be erect and medium-green leaves are narrow, lance-like, and serrated in appearance. Flowers produce seed capsules that are eaten by birds and small mammals. Host plant for several moths, including some Mompha species, the primrose moth, and the green-banded day sphinx.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Showy Primrose
Oenothera speciosa
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Stream Edge
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Pink / Rose, White
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data

Photo: Dan Tenaglia (courtesy of missouriplants.com)

Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate

Nature Attracting
Songbirds

Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host, Butterfly / Moth Nectar, Food/Birds, Food/Small Animals

Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
10 to
24
inches
Spread:
12 to
18
inches
Size
Height: 10 to
24
inches
Spread: 12 to
18
inches
Size
Height: 10 to
24
inches
Spread: 12 to
18
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Wildflower gardens and meadows; informal areas and as ground cover in areas where its tendency to spread won't be problematic.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Can be easily grown from seed (if available), planted fall or early spring; when established, spreads aggressively by rhizomes and self-seeding. Tolerates infertile soil and some drought, but best grown where soil is moderate or dry and well-drained.
Special Features
Special Usage
Fragrant, Ground Cover
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.
What’s the Next Step?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.