Evening Primrose

Oenothera biennis

Wildflower Coming Soon

Evening Primrose is a Virginia native local-ecotype wildflower that typically reaches 4–6 ft and blooms in early summer and fall with yellow flowers. It offers exceptional pollinator value, food or habitat for birds, and important larval-host relationships.

About This Plant

Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Part Shade
Soil Moisture
Dry, Dry to Medium, Medium, Medium to Wet, Wet
Height
4–6 ft
Spread
1–2 ft
Bloom Time
Early Summer, Fall
Bloom Color
Yellow
Garden Goals
Attract Hummingbirds, Feed Birds, Help Native Bees, Host Caterpillars, Support Pollinators
Garden Uses
Moth garden; pollinator garden; bird garden; meadow
Wildlife Value
Sphinx moths and other Oenothera feeders

Evening Primrose grows best in full sun or part shade with dry, dry to medium, medium, medium to wet, or wet soil. At maturity, it is typically 4–6 ft tall and 1–2 ft wide. Its flowers, foliage, seeds, or fruit help support hummingbirds, butterflies, native bees, and birds. Notable wildlife value includes: Sphinx moths and other Oenothera feeders. It is well suited to Moth garden, pollinator garden, bird garden, meadow.

Good to know: Biennial; night-to-noon flowering; reseeds readily.

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