Oenothera caespitosa (Tufted Evening Primrose)

Oenothera caespitosa (Tufted Evening Primrose) is a perennial or biennial boasting charming rosettes of lance-shaped, fuzzy, blue-green leaves, 4 in. long (10 cm). Erect flower buds give way to large, fragrant, white flowers, 2-3 in. wide (5-7 cm), adorned with contrasting yellow stamens. They open in the late afternoon, continue into the night and close the next morning.

Oenothera caespitosa (Tufted Evening Primrose) is a perennial or biennial boasting charming rosettes of lance-shaped, fuzzy, blue-green leaves, 4 in. long (10 cm). Erect flower buds give way to large, fragrant, white flowers, 2-3 in. wide (5-7 cm), adorned with contrasting yellow stamens. They open in the late afternoon, continue into the night and close the next morning. When open, the large flowers almost cover the plant. When mature the pure white petals become light pink, then darker pink or purple when shriveled. Blooming heavily for 4-6 weeks in late spring to early summer, Tufted Evening Primrose is a terrific plant for dry, sheltered, sunny locations. Most suitable for the front of the border or in the rock garden.

  • Grows up to 8-12 in. tall (20-30 cm) and 2 ft. wide (60 cm).
  • Best in full sun in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates poor soils, drought, and light shade. Requires excellent drainage and does poorly in hot, humid climates.
  • Great choice for prairies and meadows, wildflower gardensrock gardens, or containers. 
  • Sow unstratified seed in fall; stratified in spring. Germination is low. The long, woody roots are difficult to divide, but the separation of offsets from the parent plants is effective.
  • No serious insect or disease issues. Deer resistant, this plant attracts birds
  • Native from northern Mexico, north to Washington, and east to the Sierras.

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 8

Heat Zones 1
– 8

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Oenothera – Primroses – Sundrops
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 8"
– 1'
(20cm
– 30cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 24″ (60cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United States, California, Midwest, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow