Oenothera macrocarpa (Missouri Evening Primrose, Ozark Sundrops)

Plant Profile

Oenothera macrocarpa, known as Missouri Evening Primrose, Bigfruit Evening Primrose, or Ozark Sundrops, is a low, sprawling perennial native to the central US. It has narrow, silvery-green leaves and produces huge, showy, lemon-yellow, four-petaled flowers (up to 4 inches) that open in late afternoon and close the next morning. The large, winged seed pods are also ornamental. Drought tolerant.

Key Characteristics

• Family: Onagraceae (on-uh-GRAY-see-ee)
• Genus: Oenothera (ee-no-THEE-ruh)
• Species: macrocarpa (ma-kro-KAR-pa)

Growing Conditions

Full sun, well-drained, even poor soil. Very drought tolerant. Hardy in USDA zones 4–8.

Landscape Uses

Rock gardens, xeriscapes, borders, naturalizing. Spectacular large flowers.

Maintenance

Deadhead to prevent excessive self-seeding. Taproot makes division difficult; propagate by seed.