Showy Primrose
Oenothera speciosa (Onagraceae)
A hardy, upright to sprawling perennial, native to the southeastern United States extending into Mexico. The four petalled flowers are soft pink, making a transition to glistening white toward the center. Flowers open in the early morning lasting only a single day. In many southern regions they often form large breathtaking colonies. Grows in various soils in full sun. A fun variety to grow from seed but takes two years to produce a bloom.
Average planting success with this species: 60%
Height: 8-16 inches
Germination: 20-45 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 65-70F
Sowing depth: Surface Sow
Blooming period: March-July
Average seeds per pound: 3,280,000
Seeding rate: 1 lb. per acre
Suggested use: Disturbed areas, roadsides, rock gardens, mixtures.
Miscellaneous: Often called Buttercup because when smelled, yellow pollen is left on one's nose. Can tolerate infrequent mowing.
