Showy Evening Primrose Seeds

This wildflower native to North America is a unique flower that is appreciated for its beautiful pink bloom that opens in the evening and closes again the next morning. Primrose Showy Evening is a variety that grows and spreads easily even in poor soils with little water, so you might want to strategically place them in your garden or grow them in containers. They spread by their roots as well as by seeds, so they form prolific colonies that can cover a specific area when planted en-masse.

The delicate four-petaled flowers range in colour from deep pink to rosé to ivory white. The flowers grow to about 1-2 cm, remaining on the smaller side in dryer conditions. Renowned for showing off in the evening, in Germany they are referred to as ‘’night candles.’’ Enjoy the sight of their rose flowers in a wave-like fashion during a warm summer evening breeze.

- Latin Name: Oenothera speciosa
- Life Cycle: Perrenial
- Canada Hardiness Zone: 5-9
- Days to Maturity: Second-year 
- Planting Depth: 3-4 mm
- Plant Spacing: 12-20 cm
- Growth Habit: 30-40 cm tall

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

The delicate and stunning primrose will grow vigorously in garden beds, containers, along borders and just about everywhere else! Be advised that primrose is considered an invasive plant in some areas and should be closely monitored to prevent spreading.

This interesting biennial species blooms in the late afternoon and evening, attracting a different cohort of pollinators, such as bats and moths. Primrose seeds should be sown directly in the fall. Choose a garden space that has rich, loose, well-drained soil, sow the seeds and water well. Thin plants to 30 cm apart after germination.

If you wish to start seeds indoors, this cold period known as stratification must be replicated. Fill a container with moist seed-starting mix, sow the seeds, cover them and put everything into the refrigerator. Remove the container from the fridge in late winter when the seeds have sprouted and are showing their true leaves. The primrose will now be ready to be potted individually.

During this first season, the new sprouts won’t flower, but will instead develop their root systems and produce a leafy base low to the ground. The following year, the rosette will send up a tall and firm stem and the small four petaled flowers will start to appear in the summer. When flowers eventually die off, their seeds will be dispersed and new plants will begin to spread.

Primrose should be located in a site that receives full sun. Contrary to its blooming habit, this flower still requires lots of light. Well-drained soil is extremely important for growing healthy primrose plants. Soil should be able to retain moisture, but never let it stay soaking wet. A thick layer of mulch can be laid around the base of the plant to keep the roots cool and prevent evaporation in the hot summer months.

Water regularly, but moderately to achieve ideal conditions. If leaves begin to brown or become discoloured, the plant is probably getting too much water and may be suffering from root rot. 

Primrose will grow best during the summertime, but does prefer cooler temperatures. This is why it’s important for the plants to get established early in the cool months. Supplemental fertilizer should not be necessary during the growing season, unless you’re working with especially poor soil.

Starting your primrose may be a two-year task, but once established they should take off and reproduce their nocturnal blooms bountifully for years to come. 

QUICK FACTS

- The Latin name for the primrose is "Primula," originating from the word "primus," which means "first" or "early." The name refers to the fact that primrose is one of the first plants to bloom in the spring.

- The leaves and flowers of primrose are edible and make a great addition to salads. 

- Primrose seeds will remain viable for 2 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.