Scientific Name
Oenothera rosea L'Hér. ex Aiton
Common Name(s)
Rose Evening Primrose, Rosy Evening Primrose, Pink Evening Primrose, Rose of Mexico
Synonym(s)
Gaura epilobia, Godetia heucki, Hartmannia affinis, Hartmannia gauroides, Hartmannia rosea, Hartmannia virgata, Oenothera psychrophila, Oenothera purpurea, Oenothera rubra, Oenothera virgata, Xylopleurum roseum
Scientific Classification
Family: Onagraceae
Subfamily: Onagroideae
Tribe: Onagreae
Genus: Oenothera
Origin
Oenothera rosea is native to northern Mexico and Texas.
Flower
Color: Rose to rose-purple,
Bloom Time: Beginning of spring until the first frost
Description
Oenothera rosea is a well-branched perennial herb with stems that grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) tall. The leaves are nearly entire or somewhat cut, elliptic or rarely narrowly ovate, up to 2 inches (5 cm) long, and up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. The leaf stalk is up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long.
The flowers are rose to rose-purple, up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, and open near sunrise.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Oenothera plants can be propagated by dividing established clumps between spring and fall. Softwood cuttings may be struck in late spring. Easy to grow Oenothera seeds can be sown directly in the garden in late summer, early fall, or planted early in the spring.
Just cover the tiny seeds, and germinate at 65 to 70 °F (18 to 21 °C). Seeds require darkness to break dormancy. Space plants 5 to 9 inches (13 to 23 cm) apart. Plant in light, well-drained soil with a pH of around 5.5 to 7.0. Sandy soil works well for this plant.
Oenothera is tolerant of dry and is a good candidate for xeriscaping. The foliage can be robust in really fertile soil, but fewer flowers form. Top dress with fully composted manure in the spring. Provide irrigation during long hot spells, and cut the plants back by a third after flowering to keep them looking neat. Hot summer weather may cause the plants to stop flowering briefly. Powdery mildew sometimes appears in humid conditions.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Oenothera.
Links
- Back to genus Oenothera
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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