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Tufted Evening Primrose

Oenothera caespitosa

true

1 gallon

Tufted Evening Primrose

In stock

1’x3’

Sizes:

Tufted Evening Primrose — Oenothera caespitosa

Also known as: Desert Evening Primrose, Rock Evening Primrose, Moonflower (not to be confused with Datura species)

A standout in moonlit gardens, Tufted Evening Primrose is a low-growing, spreading perennial native to western North America, including desert and foothill regions of the Southwest. From spring through late summer, this plant produces masses of large, fragrant white flowers that open in the late afternoon and close by midmorning, fading to pale pink as they age. These showy blooms, often 4 inches across, glow in low light and contrast beautifully with the plant’s broad, dark green leaves.

The plant forms a dense, ground-hugging rosette, rarely taller than 12 inches but capable of spreading several feet wide. It thrives in full sun, requires excellent drainage, and is ideal for rock gardens, slopes, and pollinator-friendly landscapes. Once established, it is extremely drought tolerant and performs best in lean, fast-draining soils.

This species has a mutualistic relationship with the white-lined sphinx moth (Hyles lineata). While adult moths serve as pollinators, their caterpillars feed on the plant’s foliage. This herbivory benefits the plant—preventing it from becoming overly leggy, woody, or unsightly. In gardens where sphinx moth caterpillars are absent or limited, the plant may lose vigor over time. In those cases, light trimming by hand helps stimulate fresh, compact growth and mimics the natural effect of caterpillar browsing.

Tufted Evening Primrose is also a valuable nectar source for early-season butterflies and nighttime pollinators, making it a key species for desert wildlife gardens.

Wildlife Value

Host Plant: White-lined Sphinx Moth (Hyles lineata)
Nectar Source: White-lined Sphinx Moth (Hyles lineata); Desert Orangetip (Anthocharis cethura)
Bird Resources: Insects
Bird Species: Lesser Nighthawk (Chordeiles acutipennis); Common Poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii) [insect-foraging at dusk]

Plant Care

Native region:

Sonoran Desert; Mojave Desert

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun; Part Shade

Mature size:

1’x3’

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

White

Flower season:

Spring-Summer

Pruning:

Prune to encourage new growth

Cold Hardiness:

-20 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Yes

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

Nest materials:

Yes

Rabbit-resistant:

Tortoises:

Yes

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.