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. 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 gardens, rock 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.