Grow a garden filled with Showy Evening Primrose flowers, from freshly harvested Oenothera speciosa seeds. Showy Evening Primrose is native to many of the lower states in America. The plants themselves reach a mature height of roughly 12 to 24 inches tall, displaying pink flowers with dark pink veins. The blooms range in size from 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, which are made up of 4 primary petals. The centers of Showy Evening Primrose, also known as the stigmas & stamens are yellow, while the inner petals turn from pink to white. The stems are slender and smooth and its leaves are also smaller, yet attractive. Showy Evening Primrose can be rather invasive, spreading through various spots in the garden from seeds or runners.
Categorized as a perennial flowering plant, the Showy Evening Primrose will establish a deep root system the first year of growth. It then uses this root system to regrow the following year, even after all plant life on the surface has wilted due to frost. Again, the Showy Evening Primrose is also known to regrow itself through self seeding at the end of each season.
These gorgeous flowers have a wonderful scent, and will attract an array of beneficial insects to the garden as well. Among these insects are, butterflies, ladybugs, bumblebees, hummingbirds & honeybees as well. Showy Evening Primrose are often seen growing in rocky prairies, slopes, roadsides, open woodlands, disturbed areas and meadows. These attractive perennials can be grown in flower beds, along borders & fences or even in large containers. Showy Evening Primrose is best established in the Spring, so that they can bloom profusely through the summer months, up until late fall. If grown by the masses, you can enjoy the carpets of bright, cheery, pink flowers all season long.
Sowing The Seed
Showy Evening Primrose seeds are best established directly outdoors, when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed. Begin by clearing your sowing area of all unwanted plant life & weeds. Turn the dirt or replace it with a fresh sowing medium. Scatter the tiny orange-brown seeds to the surface of the soil, in groups of 2 or 4 per plant, lightly pressing them in. Be aware that you should leave the seeds exposed, since they will require direct lighting to properly germinate. Choosing a calm few days without wind or heavy rainfall is recommended.
Growing Conditions
Showy Evening Primrose will thrive in an area that receives full sunlight for the majority of the day. The soil should be sandy to poor, with temperatures staying above 65F. You will also want to make sure that the sowing medium is well drained as well. To increase your drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to any areas that contain hard, compact soil. Water the seeds daily with a mist setting, or a spray bottle to ensure that they remain moist until germination has occurred.
Germination & Growth
Seeds will begin to germinate within 7 to 10 days after sowing. The plants will reach a mature height of around 12 to 24 inches tall and can be spaced about 12 to 18 inches apart from one another.