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Oenothera rhombipetala Sand Evening Primrose

$3.50 - $15.00
Oenothera rhombipetala

Sand Evening Primrose

$3.50 - $15.00

Packet
$3.50
1/8 oz.
$4.50
1/4 oz.
$6.00
1/2 oz.
$9.75
1 oz.
$15.00

3 Pack
Out of Stock

Sand Evening Primrose is a stunning biennial that features a host of wonderful Primrose family quirks.  This plant spends its first year as a subtle rosette of leaves – but its second year makes it well worth the wait!  Throughout the extensive bloom period, this plant sets LOADS of butter-yellow blossoms that crowd around the top of stout stems.  The rhombic, or diamond shaped, petals flare out from elongated tubes.  The crinkled leaves twist and curl as they spread away from the 2 foot tall stalks. 

Oenothera rhombipetala grows best in well draining, sandy soils in full or partial sun.  This plant will survive within a greater prairie-type setting, but it thrives with the extra TLC of a dedicated garden site.  Despite its preference for dry sites, Sand Evening Primrose benefits from consistent watering. The extra moisture is not necessary, but it does encourage more prolific flowering throughout the entire bloom period.  To promote re-seeding, leave the area surrounding the plant well cleared; the petite seeds need access to soil and light to germinate.  

Like most members of the Evening Primrose family, the flower petals only open at dusk or on heavily clouded days.  The blooms close and wither with the morning sun.  These night-blooming plants offer a vital food source for niche nocturnal pollinators, such as various species of Sphinx Moth including Hawk Moths, Hummingbird Moths, and Clearwing Moths, as well as Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds on overcast days.  

Oenothera rhombipetala was recently distinguished from its close cousin, Oenothera clelandii - or Cleland’s Evening Primrose; the two can be difficult to tell apart.  A visible distinction is that Sand Evening Primrose has larger flower petals.  Not so obvious is the fact that it requires cross-pollination.  The range for these two species does overlap slightly, especially in Iowa and Illinois, but O. rhombipetala is more often found in the western Great Plains, while O. clelandii is generally found in the eastern portion of the Midwest.

Other scientific names include: Raimannia rhombipetala
Also commonly called Diamond Petal Primrose, Four-Point Evening Primrose, and Rhombic Evening Primrose

Live Plant Shipping Table

Spring Fall Age/Size
Potted 3-PacksN/A August/September 2.5" wide x 3.5" deep pots

Details

Seeds/Packet
500
Seeds/Ounce
130,000
Germination Code
D
?
Life Cycle
Biennial
Sun Exposure
Full, Partial
Soil Moisture
Dry
Height
2 feet
Bloom Time
June, July, August, September
Bloom Color
Yellow
Advantages
Deer Resistant
USDA Zones
4-8
Catalog Code
OEN20F