Oenothera 'Siskiyou Pink' is a graceful low growing perennial prized for its profusion of delicate pink saucer shaped flowers with white centers. Blooming continuously from late spring through summer, its blooms open in the evening and are pollinated by night flying moths and early bees. Its spreading habit and tolerance for poor soils make it ideal for sunny slopes, rock gardens, or as a ground cover in tough dry conditions.
Height & Spread: 10 - 14 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Late spring through summer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, sandy or gravelly soil
Watering Needs: Low; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer tend to avoid due to resinous foliage
Native Status
Oenothera 'Siskiyou Pink' is a cultivar derived from North American native evening primroses. While not native itself, it retains drought tolerance and pollinator benefits of its native ancestors.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Attracts early morning foraging bees, particularly solitary native bees such as sweat bees and mining bees.
Moths
- Blooms open in the evening and provide nectar for dusk and night flying moths such as sphinx moths and owlet moths.
Butterflies
- Visited by skippers and sulfurs that are active in open sunny areas during the day.
Beneficial Insects
- Supports predatory wasps and hoverflies that help manage aphid populations in dry meadows and gardens.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Plant 18 - 24 in apart to allow spreading into low, flowering mats.
Landscape Placement:
- Perfect for dry rock gardens, wildflower meadows, or spilling over low retaining walls. Also useful in pollinator strips and roadside restorations.
Companion Plants
- Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Arizona Sun' - Vivid red and yellow blooms create a fiery contrast while sharing similar heat and drought preferences.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Bright yellow mounded flowers offer bold color contrast and thrive in similar dry soil conditions.
- Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) - Feathery foliage and flat topped flower clusters echo the texture and drought tolerance of Oenothera.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Deep purple flower spikes contrast with the soft pink of the primrose and attract pollinators all season.
- Verbena rigida - Low growing purple blooms carpet the ground alongside Oenothera, creating a long lasting summer display.