Pink Evening primrose was originally native only to central grasslands from Missouri and Nebraska south through Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas to northeastern Mexico. Pink evening primrose is an upright to sprawling 1-1/2 ft. perennial, which spreads to form extensive colonies. Pink Evening primrose bears large, four-petaled flowers, which range in color from white to dark pink. The buds nod and then open into white or pink flowers on slender stems. Blossoms are cup shaped and delicate, and they sport red or pink veins. Generally, the foliage is linear and pinnate, but the leaves can also be lance shaped, depending on the particular location where the plant is growing.
This plant is a North American native. Its yellow blooms exude a perfume that attracts the nocturnal sphinx moth, which pollinates it. It has been used by Native Americans for various ailments for years, but more recently it has become the focus of medical research. The plant may have an anti-clotting factor that would make it useful in the prevention of heart attacks. It has also been found that the oil of the evening primrose might help those who suffer from atopic eczema, asthma and from migraine. None of these drugs has been approved in the US, however.
This plant has absolutely huge flowers, often close to 4 inches in diameter, which is somewhat unusual for a native prairie plant. It will also bloom nearly continuously from spring to late summer.
This is a wonderful plant for bumblebees because it blooms more or less on a continual basis. It produces long waving flower stalks that wave in the breeze and it it very funny to watch the bumblebees holding on for dear life! Also very good for honey bees. Drought resistant once established.
Sundrops (Oenothera fruticosa subsp. glauca) 'Fireworks' is a bright yellow evening primrose that blooms in early to mid summer. Native to eastern North America, it is a source of nectar for pollinators and has special value to native bees. Hummingbirds may also visit this plant. 'Fireworks' does well in full sun and medium to dry soil. 'Fireworks' spreads slowly in the garden.
Sundrops are so called because they open during the day, unlike many evening primroses.
