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

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Showy primrose plant with bright green leaves and pink bowl-shaped flowers
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

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.

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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?

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