1. * California Evening Primrose – Oenothera californica
(ee-no-THEER-a ka-li-FOR-ni-ka)
Family: Onagraceae (Evening Primrose Family)
Native to: Southwestern U.S. from central Ca to Baja; sandy/gravelly areas, dunes, desert scrub to
pinyon/juniper or ponderosa-pine woodlands.
herbaceous perennial
mature height: 1 ft.
mature width: 2-5+ ft.
Herbaceous perennial with slender rootstock. Spreads via root laterals, seed.
Leaves mediumgreen, initially in basal rosette. Stalks initially upright, then reclining to almost vine-like. Stress
deciduous – can die back during summer drought.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms/fruits:
sweetly fragrant.
Blooms in spring – usually Apr-May in our area. Flowers are large, pink-white and
Plant is very showy in bloom, blends in otherwise.
Uses in the garden: Most useful in mixed beds with other natives – grasses, shrubs, perennials and
annual wildflowers. Good choice for parking strip. Nice in pots or planters placed where you can
enjoy the fragrant flowers. White flowers mix well with other flowering natives.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Primroses, white-flowered perennials.
Attracts: Excellent butterfly & moth habitat – good nectar source.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to part-sun (in hot gardens).
Any well-drained – rocky & sandy are great; any local pH including alkali.
Drought tolerant, but more blooms with a little water; Zone 2 probably optimal.
Not needed.
Cut back dead stems in fall/winter, leaving about 4 inches.
Will spread, but not aggressive in garden setting.
Management:
around it.
Propagation: from seed: probably easy in spring
Easy – just weed
by cuttings: divisions in late winter
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 10, 13, 16, 20
2/9/11
* CA native plant but not native to Western L.A. county
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