German-rampion
Oenothera biennis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
24"–60" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CA, CT and 39 more states
Pollinators
bees, moths, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Evening primrose is a tall biennial wildflower that produces bright yellow flowers that open in the evening and remain open through the following morning. The plant forms a low rosette in its first year, then sends up tall flowering stalks in the second year before dying and reseeding.
In an HOA neighborhood
German-rampion takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Very tall and can appear weedy or unkempt
- Self-seeds aggressively and may spread beyond intended areas
- Dies back completely after flowering, leaving gaps in plantings
Wildlife value
Host plant for ghost moth, bald eagle moth.
The evening-blooming flowers are especially valuable for night-flying moths and other nocturnal pollinators. Bees and butterflies also visit the flowers during morning hours when they remain open.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does German-rampion fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.