General Culture:
Best grown in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Prefers heat and dryish soils, and can be difficult to grow in the St. Louis area where soils can remain moist during protracted rainy periods. Relatively short-lived, but can aggressively self-seed.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
This evening primrose (sometimes commonly called Kunth's evening primrose) is a low-growing, sometimes prostrate, perennial which grows on generally reclining stems to 20" tall. Four-petaled, white flowers (to 1.5") that fade to light pink with age bloom in late spring. Oblanceolate basal leaves (to 4" long) with small pinnate lobes near the leaf bases and smaller stem leaves. Flowers give way to winged seed capsules (to 1/2" long) which have limited ornamental interest. Although native from Texas to Central America, Steyermark reports that this species was apparently introduced some time ago into St. Louis County, Missouri where it is known to grow along certain railroad tracks.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. Plants can be aggressive in optimum growing conditions. This plant did not do well at the Kemper Center where it was grown in soils that were probably too moist.
Uses:
Wild gardens, rock gardens, native plant areas or cottage gardens.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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