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Description
Oenothera Speciosa, commonly known as the Pink Evening Primrose or Showy Evening Primrose, is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Onagraceae family. It is native to North America and is known for its delicate pink blooms that open in the evening and close the next day. This plant is highly valued for its ornamental features, and it can be grown in gardens, borders, and containers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Onagraceae |
| Genus: | Oenothera |
Appearance
The Pink Evening Primrose is a perennial plant that can grow up to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It has lance-shaped leaves that are up to 6 inches long and 1 inch wide. The flowers are 2-3 inches in diameter, with four pink petals and a yellow center. The blooms open in the evening and close the next day. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer and sometimes again in the fall.
Care Guide
Water: The Pink Evening Primrose prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering. Water the plant once a week or whenever the top inch of soil is dry.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: The Pink Evening Primrose prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. It can tolerate poor soil as long as it is well-drained.
Sunlight: The Pink Evening Primrose prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: The Pink Evening Primrose can grow in hardiness zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Pink Evening Primrose is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Keep the plant in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. The plant can also be affected by spider mites and aphids. Use insecticidal soap to control these pests.
Habitat
The Pink Evening Primrose is native to North America and can be found in prairies, meadows, and open woods. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water the Pink Evening Primrose?
A: Water the plant once a week or whenever the top inch of soil is dry.
Q: What is the blooming period of the Pink Evening Primrose?
A: The plant blooms from late spring to early summer and sometimes again in the fall.
Q: What is the hardiness zone of the Pink Evening Primrose?
A: The plant can grow in hardiness zones 4 to 9.
Q: Is the Pink Evening Primrose susceptible to any pests or diseases?
A: The plant can be affected by root rot, spider mites, and aphids. Use insecticidal soap to control these pests.
Related Plants
- Oenothera biennis
- Oenothera macrocarpa
- Oenothera fruticosa
- Oenothera glazioviana
References
- “Oenothera Speciosa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281916&isprofile=0
- “Pink Evening Primrose.” Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/nativeshrubs/oenotheraspeciosa.htm
- “Oenothera Speciosa.” Plant Database. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=OESP
