Oenothera speciosa aka Showy Pink Evening Primrose

Taxonomy

Oenothera speciosa, also known as pinkladies, pink evening primrose, showy evening primrose, Mexican primrose, amapola, and buttercups (not to be confused with true buttercups), is a vigorous, spreading perennial. It grows up to 30cm tall and has lance-shaped leaves that are purple-bronze and green variegated. The plant produces arching stems that bear large, lightly-veined, saucer-shaped white flowers that age to shell-pink. These beautiful flowers bloom from early summer to autumn. Pink evening primrose is a herbaceous perennial wildflower and is often used as an ornamental plant in temperate latitudes. However, it cannot survive severe winters. It is a ground cover and can become invasive, spreading through runners and seeds. This drought-resistant plant thrives in loose, fast-draining soil and requires full sun. Its natural habitat includes rocky prairies, open woodlands, slopes, roadsides, meadows, and disturbed areas.

Common names

Showy Pink Evening Primrose, Pinkladies, Pink Evening Primrose, Showy Evening Primrose, Mexican Primrose

How to care for Showy Pink Evening Primrose

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Showy Pink Evening Primrose is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Showy Pink Evening Primrose should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Showy Pink Evening Primrose loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Showy Pink Evening Primrose thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Showy Evening Primrose.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Showy Pink Evening Primrose plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Showy Pink Evening Primrose has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia