White Evening-primrose
Oenothera speciosa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Oenothera speciosa is a native wildflower blooming white to pink flowers from June through August across the central and southern United States. This drought-tolerant evening primrose thrives in full sun and attracts bees, butterflies, and moths.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AR, CT, IA, IN and 7 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Browse plants for this ecoregion
White evening-primrose is a low-growing perennial wildflower that produces delicate white or pale pink cup-shaped blooms throughout summer. This drought-tolerant plant spreads to form attractive ground-covering patches and thrives in sunny, well-drained locations with minimal care.
Growing White Evening-primrose
Grow White Evening-primrose in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
White 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.
- Spreads aggressively and can look weedy
- May be viewed as too wild or informal for front yards
- Can become dormant and sparse-looking in winter
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and night-flying moths, providing nectar throughout the summer blooming period. Evening-primrose is particularly valuable for supporting native pollinators during hot, dry periods when other flowers may be scarce.
Common questions
- When does Oenothera speciosa bloom?
- White Evening-primrose blooms from June through August, producing white to pale pink four-petaled flowers that often open in the evening.
- What pollinators visit Oenothera speciosa?
- This native wildflower attracts bees, butterflies, and moths. The evening-opening flowers are particularly attractive to nocturnal pollinators like sphinx moths.
- Where is Oenothera speciosa native?
- White Evening-primrose is native to Arkansas, Connecticut, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
- What growing conditions does Oenothera speciosa prefer?
- This drought-tolerant wildflower thrives in full sun with low water requirements, making it ideal for xeriscaping and natural landscaping in its native range.
- Is White Evening-primrose HOA-friendly?
- White 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 the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow White Evening-primrose? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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