Southern Beeblossom
Oenothera simulans
Onagraceae (Evening primrose or willowherb family)
The common name, Evening primrose, is a misnomer to me. These flowers are open ALL day here. Maybe they close up in northern locales, or if they're shaded, but ours are reliably open all day, and are a buffet for SO many insects. There's always pollinators all over this plant. Something about those small white flowers; I notice their popularity far exceeds the showier, big flower plants. Hmmm, maybe because the flowers are for the pollinators first, and our aesthetic desires don't actually matter that much. Or at all. Plant for the bugs. You'll be happy.
This is an annual that readily self seeds. The growth form is really neat, it looks like an explosion out of the ground. The growth point at the base of the soil is quite narrow, but it unfolds into this firework display. They seem to wither back a bit by August/Sept here in Manatee County.
These are nice tall plants in 4" pots, shipped in careful wrapping.
Native range: Nearly throughout Florida
Hardiness: 8A–11
Soil: Dry, well-drained sandy soil
Exposure: Full sun
Growth habit: 3-6’+ tall
Propagation: Seeds
Garden tips: Southern beeblossom self-seeds readily and produces many seedlings. Let 'er rip, I say! Great for a wildflower garden!
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