Just like the goldenrod, this plant is a "bridge" species—but while the goldenrod bridges the seasons, the Evening Primrose bridges day and night! While most flowers wake up with the sun, this native waits for the twilight. It features bowl-shaped yellow blossoms that unfurl in late afternoon and evening.
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs Low to Medium; very drought-tolerant
Soil Type Adaptable; prefers Sandy, Rocky, or Lean soil
Mature Height 4 – 6 feet
Deer Resistance Moderate
Bloom Time July – October
Bloom Color Yellow
Plant Spacing 1 – 2 feet
Long Bloom Time: It is one of the last natives blooming into late fall.
Hardy & Resilient: It thrives in "neglected" areas where other plants struggle. It is highly resistant to pests and can handle poor, dry soils with ease.
Polinators: Although labeled as a weed by some, it is a very important native plant with a long bloom time. It benefits many different kinds of bees, nectaring moths, butterfiles, and caterpillars.
The "Night Shift": The flowers attract sphinx moths (hawk moths), which are nocturnal.
Hummingbirds: Though they open late, the flowers stay open long enough for hummingbirds to visit them for a breakfast snack in the early morning.
Garden Note: Common Evening Primrose is a prolific self-seeder. Because it is a biennial, it relies on dropping seeds to ensure a new generation blooms every year. If you want to limit its spread, simply snip off the seed pods after the flowering season is finished!
An elegant, long-lived native that looks more like a small shrub than a typical flower. In late spring, it produces tall spikes of deep indigo-blue flowers that resemble Lupine, providing a cool contrast to the yellow-heavy palette of the summer garden. It is often called the "Perennial of the Year" for good reason—it is practically indestructible and offers a shrub-like presence without the woody maintenance.
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade (Best in Full Sun)
Water Needs Low to Medium; exceptionally drought-tolerant once established
Soil Type Adaptable; thrives in Clay, Loam, Sand, or Rocky soil
Mature Height 3 – 4 feet
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time May – July
Bloom Color Blue
Plant Spacing 2 – 3 feet
Deep-Rooted Longevity: It features one of the deepest taproots of any native plant, making it nearly impossible to kill once established—but also very difficult to move! Pick its "forever home" carefully.
It will spend most of the first couple years developing mostly below ground
Shrub-like Structure: While it dies back to the ground in winter, it regrows into a dense, mounded shape with beautiful blue-green, clover-like foliage that stays attractive all summer long.
Because of it’s wide form, generous spacing is recommended.
Bees: The "pea-shaped" flowers are specifically designed for heavy-bodied bees, like Bumblebees, who are strong enough to push the petals open to reach the nectar.
Butterfly Host: It serves as a vital nursery for several butterfly species, including the Wild Indigo Duskywing and the Frosted Elfin.