How much sun does Pale evening primrose need?

Pale evening primrose grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Pale evening primrose bloom?

Pale evening primrose blooms in May, June, July, and August.

Where is Pale evening primrose native?

Pale evening primrose (Oenothera pallida) is native to AZ, CO, ID, KS and 10 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What butterflies or moths does Pale evening primrose host?

Pale evening primrose is a larval host plant for white-lined sphinx.

Is Pale evening primrose HOA-friendly?

Pale evening primrose takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pale evening primrose

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Oenothera pallida

Last reviewed: August 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

8"–16" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CO, ID, KS and 10 more states

Pollinators

hawkmoths, bees

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 431 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Sonoran Basin and Range

Low, spreading perennial with narrow, silvery leaves and large white flowers that open in the evening and fade to pink. Spreads by rhizome on dry sandy plains and roadsides.

In an HOA neighborhood

Pale evening primrose 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.

Low spreading growth habit may appear weedy to HOAs
Evening blooming schedule means flowers often closed during day
Can look sparse or untidy compared to traditional landscaping

Wildlife value

Host plant for white-lined sphinx.

Evening-opening flowers are an important nectar source for hawkmoths, including the white-lined sphinx, whose caterpillars also feed on the foliage.

Common questions

How much sun does Pale evening primrose need?: Pale evening primrose grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Pale evening primrose bloom?: Pale evening primrose blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Pale evening primrose native?: Pale evening primrose (Oenothera pallida) is native to AZ, CO, ID, KS and 10 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What butterflies or moths does Pale evening primrose host?: Pale evening primrose is a larval host plant for white-lined sphinx.
Is Pale evening primrose HOA-friendly?: Pale evening primrose takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Pale evening primrose? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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