Pink Evening Primrose
by CMG Betty J
Pink Evening Primrose, Oenothera seciosa, is a wildflower that grows in undisturbed pastures, prairies and open woodlands. Although named “Pink,” the flowers range from white to rose pink and grow atop stems that are usually reclining but sometimes erect. The blossoms are about 3 inches across with 4 petals that form a shallow cup. The nodding buds become erect when the flowers open. The flowers may be as small as 1 inch across during a drought. Primrose leaves are alternate, 1½ inches to 3 inches long, with lobed edges and grow from downy stems. The plants spread by underground rhizomes and often form massive beds of dense flowers.
Also known as Showy Evening Primrose, Mexican Evening Primrose, Pink Ladies, or Pink Buttercups, most species open their flowers in the evening and close them in the morning. However, in the southern part of their native range, southern Texas and northern Mexico, some species open in the morning and close at night. The flowers release a sweet scent at dusk and last only one day. The bloom period of native Pink Evening Primrose is March through July.
Pink Evening Primrose Cluster
In the residential garden, these perennials provide a showy flower display. They should be propagated in full sun by seed in the fall. To maintain them in the garden, remove spent flowers and fertilize in the spring. Water them sparingly in the summer to prevent early dormancy. Separate the bed if it becomes too dense. The seeds attract birds and small mammals and the plants are reliably “deer resistant.”