Yellow Primrose

Yellow Evening Primrose Plant (Oenothera)

The Yellow Primrose is a delicate yellow flower that is native to eastern and central North America. This beauty is unique in that it blooms as the sun is setting, hence its common name of evening primrose. The petals visibly open in the evening and close with the sunrise, creating a strange phenomenon that is special to witness.

Yellow Primrose Plant Details (Oenothera)

Family: Onagraceae

Light Requirement: Full sun, Partial shade

Water Needs: Moderate

Height: 6-12 in

Spread: 12-18 in

Growth Rate: Moderate

Soil Preference: Rocky or sandy

Bloom Time: Late spring - late summer

Flower Color: Yellow

Wildlife Value: Pollinators, Moths, Butterflies, Bees

Why Yellow Primrose is a Unique Native Plant

The Yellow Primrose is an eye-catching native found in woodlands, prairies, and disturbed anthropogenic sites. It has a basal rosette of leaves which continue up its thick, hairy stem.

Their stems can grow to be up to six feet tall under the right conditions, with flowers starting to bloom in a cone shape for the top six inches. Its foliage has a wild look to it, as its long, narrow leaves decrease in size towards the top of the stem. The flowers are fragrant, with a light lemon scent that attracts bees and butterflies.

How to Grow Yellow Evening Primrose in Your Garden

This yellow beauty has a fascinating nectar guide pattern printed on its leaves. This pattern is invisible to the naked eye, but is visible under UV light to bees and other pollinators and helps guide them to the nectar source, leading to pollination.

Nocturnal moths pollinate this night-owl flower and bees and other insects in the early morning. The plant's seeds are food for many bird species, including the Goldfinch, Bobwhite, and Morning Dove. This yellow flower is also a host plant for the Primrose Moth, and the White-lined Sphinx Moth. The moths tend to lay eggs on the flower buds and later, the resulting caterpillars eat the plants’ leaves.

This life-cycle support is an important addition to the wildlife community of a native habitat. This gorgeous, yellow flower is an exciting addition to your garden because of its wildlife value, and its unique evening blooms. Plant the Yellow Primrose to increase visual interest and beauty in your garden all day and night long!

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Perennials, Tubers, and Bulbs

Bare root perennials, tubers, and bulbs are an easy and economical way to jumpstart your garden with lasting beauty. These dormant plants should be planted in early spring or fall while the soil is cool and workable. Before planting, soak bare roots in water for 1–2 hours to rehydrate them. Choose a location based on the plant’s light needs—most flowering types prefer full sun, while others thrive in partial shade.

For bare root perennials, dig a shallow hole and spread the roots out naturally, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface. For tubers and bulbs, plant with the pointed side facing up at a depth about two to three times their height. Cover with soil, gently press down, and water thoroughly.

Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy) until new growth appears. Add mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid covering the crown or bulb tops. Once established, these plants require little maintenance—just seasonal watering, occasional dividing, and deadheading or pruning as needed. With proper care, they’ll return and thrive year after year.

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