Oenothera speciosa Evening Pink Seeds - Evening Primrose

Oenothera speciosa 'Evening Pink', also known as Pink Evening Primrose or Elegant Evening Primrose, is a charming rhizomatous perennial that can be exuberant in the sun, in dry soils, even rocky ones. It seduces with its abundant summer flowering, in the form of pale pink cup-shaped, fragrant and nectar-rich flowers. They open in the late afternoon, with the blooming carpet appearing almost fluorescent in the twilight. Although hardy, this evening primrose requires well-drained soil that will protect its roots from winter moisture.

The Pink Evening Primrose belongs to the Onagraceae family, a large family of perennials, biennials, and annuals, which includes more than 120 species. It is a short-lived perennial native to the Southwest United States and Mexico, where it grows in large colonies in rocky meadows, open forests, slopes, roadside edges, and disturbed areas. Its origins are a guarantee of resistance to heat and summer drought. Anchored on a strong taproot system, the plant forms a compact clump, reaching a height of 40 cm, with a tendency to spread in a slightly loose carpet. It blooms abundantly from May-June to September, depending on the climate, on arching and downy stems that intertwine lazily. Its fragrant flowers, with 4 petals, open in 3-4 cm wide cups, and are adorned with a lemon yellow heart and stamens. They are white-pinkish when they open in the evening, then take on a deeper pink hue as the hours go by, before closing when the sun is at its zenith. They only live for a few hours, but renew themselves every day. The foliage consists of alternate, 8-10 cm long and 3-4 cm wide leaves, with variable shapes, linear to obovate, with a toothed or wavy edge. This semi-evergreen foliage turns red when temperatures rise or fall. The fruit is a long four-angled capsule that contains numerous seeds.

It should be noted that 'Evening Pink' Pink Evening Primrose is sturdy, hardy, and undemanding. It can be used as a ground cover plant, in a dry rock garden, on a difficult slope, or along a gravel path. It will also stand out in a dry meadow where few plants thrive. We recommend combining the evening primrose with a collection of aromatic perennials in soft colours to create a poetic and fragrant scene. It will blend beautifully with white, mauve, or pink Centranthus ruber, Perovskia, artemisias, and Erigeron karvinskianus 'Lavender Lady' that can be added in small touches, like composing a painting. Finally, this evening primrose is stunning in hanging baskets, where it will require more water!

Note: Oenothera speciosa can be invasive under appropriate climatic conditions.