How to Grow Mexican Evening Primrose

A low, spreading perennial, Mexican evening primrose grows to about 6 inches in height. Native to Mexico and Texas, it boasts a long blooming season and masses of fragrant, soft pink flowers from June through October. In desert climates it blooms even longer, typically from early spring to fall, and makes an attractive ground cover. As a native of the desert, Mexican evening primrose looks at home in rock gardens and wild landscapes but also is popular in borders, beds and containers. Fast-spreading and low-maintenance, Mexican evening primrose withstands dry conditions and infertile soils beautifully. Its main requirement is plentiful, bright sun.

Things You'll Need

• Mexican evening primrose plants

Instructions

1. Select a planting site with full sun and well-drained soil. Mexican evening primrose can tolerate drought but not soggy soils.

2. Plant in the spring, spacing individual plants about 2 feet apart if you want to create a continuous spread of flowers.

3. Once established, water the plant only when conditions are excessively dry. Mexican evening primrose needs no fertilizer and only minimal maintenance.

4. Divide plants every three years in the spring to encourage flowering.

Tips & Warnings

• Mexican evening primrose is known to attract butterflies, birds and bees so plant in an area where you can enjoy watching these creatures.

• Mexican evening primrose prefers sandy soil, but can tolerate a variety of soil types.

• Mexican evening primrose is suitable for growing in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5 through 9, but is at its best in dry, desert climates such as the Southwestern states.

• Mexican evening primrose withstands most pests and diseases but is susceptible to root rot and mildew if the plant or surrounding soil become too wet.

• Black spot is another potential problem and can be caused by either bacteria or fungus. It appears on leaves as dark spots or patches with yellowed edges. Remove infected leaves from the plant as well as any leaves that have fallen to the ground under the plant, then apply a fungicide. If you water your Mexican evening primrose manually, prevent further problems by directing water to the soil rather than watering from overhead.

• This plant spreads rapidly and can take over nearby plants, so cut it back if it threatens to invade in unwanted areas.

References

• Mexican Evening Primrose
• Oenothera speciosa (Mexican Primrose)
• Low Water-Use Landscape Plants for the Southwest