Fireworks Evening Primrose

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

1 Foot

Mature Spread

1 Foot

Growing Zones

4 to 8

Fireworks Evening Primrose or Oenothera is a native stunner that puts on an impressive display. Buttery-yellow four-petaled flowers grow on branched stems from June through July. The flowers are offset by narrow foliage in a deep bronze color. The flowers close during the day and open in the early evening. This habit provides visual interest while also attracting moths and nocturnal pollinators.

Plant in beds, borders, or mass plantings. Since the flowers look their best during the evening hours, consider planting the Fireworks Evening Primrose near a patio, porch, or a space you are likely to frequent around sunset. Evening primrose self-seeds and can quickly overtake a bed, so either select a spot that can be taken over or be prepared to pull new plants to keep this beauty contained.

Fireworks Evening Primrose Care

While the flowers fully open overnight, this plant still prefers full sunlight, and it needs at least 6 hours of sun to thrive. The soil should be rich, neutral to acidic, and moist but still, allow drainage. Consistently water when the top few inches of soil dry out, especially in hot climates. Fertilizing is unnecessary unless the plant is grown in poor-quality soil.

Pinch back new growth to keep this aggressive grower under control. The Fireworks Evening Primrose is a herbaceous perennial, and growth can be trimmed back in the late fall or early spring.

Fireworks Evening Primrose Spacing

This plant is a mounded perennial that will grow to about 15 to 18 inches tall and spread 12 to 15 inches. Plants can be spaced as close as 12 to 15 inches apart, but keep in mind that this beauty is inclined to spread out.