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Oenothera pallida (Pale Evening Primrose)

Pale Evening-Primrose, White Evening Primrose, White Buttercup, Pale Evening Primrose, Evening Primrose

Oenothera pallida, Pale Evening-Primrose, White Evening Primrose, White Buttercup, Pale Evening Primrose, Evening Primrose, White flowers, ground covers, grouncover, perennial ground cover

Oenothera pallida (Pale Evening Primrose) is a charming rhizomatous perennial boasting fragrant, satiny white flowers, with the delicate texture of crumpled silk. Large, 3 in. wide (7 cm), the pretty flowers open from reddish purple buds and become soft pink with age. Blooming in mid to late spring, the flowers open in the evening and remain open until late morning. They attract bees, moths and butterflies. They rise on erect to sprawling, reddish stems and contrast nicely with the narrowly lanceolate to ovate, irregularly-toothed leaves. A valuable plant for its ability to grow in hot, dry sites and tolerate drought. Pale Evening Primrose will spread by running rhizomes and self-seed when happy.

  • Grows up to 4-20 in. tall (10-50 cm) and 10-12 in. wide (25-30 cm).
  • Best in full sun to part shade in sandy or rocky, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established.
  • Great choice for wildflower gardens, rock gardens or naturalized areas. May be planted in beds and borders and is a good edging plant.
  • No serious pest or disease issues.
  • Easily grown from seeds sown outdoors in spring.
  • Native to the western United States.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 10
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Onagraceae
Genus Oenothera
Common names Evening Primrose, Sundrop
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Height 4" - 2'
(10cm - 60cm)
Spread 10" - 1'
(25cm - 30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United States, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Southwest, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Rocky Mountains, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia (Beach Primrose)
Calylophus lavandulifolius (Lavendar-leaf Sundrops)
Calylophus serrulatus (Plains Evening Primrose)
Oenothera elata (Hooker’s Evening Primrose)
Oenothera fruticosa (Sundrops)
Oenothera speciosa ‘Siskiyou’ (Evening Primrose)

Recommended Companion Plants

Achillea millefolium (White Yarrow)
Artemisia ludoviciana (White Sage)
Ipomoea purpurea (Morning Glory)
Amorpha fruticosa (Indigo Bush)
Bouteloua gracilis (Blue Grama)
Verbascum thapsus (Common Mullein)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 10
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Onagraceae
Genus Oenothera
Common names Evening Primrose, Sundrop
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Height 4" - 2'
(10cm - 60cm)
Spread 10" - 1'
(25cm - 30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United States, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Southwest, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Rocky Mountains, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Oenothera (Evening Primrose)
Not sure which Oenothera (Evening Primrose) to pick?
Compare Now

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