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Oenothera speciosa 'Rosea'-Mexican
Evening Primrose
Mexican
Evening Primrose has long been a favorite for its
glorious displays of pink blossoms. In early spring this
unassuming ground cover produces carpets of delicate light to
dark pink flowers, and can continue to flower into the summer if
adequate water is provided. However, this plant is fairly
inconspicuous the rest of the year. In fact, it usually goes
dormant in the summer heat and winter cold, with the foliage
burning back to the ground. Luckily, this plant has underground
stems, which allow it to bounce back from any damage to the
foliage. In fact, these underground stems can be rather
invasive, so it is best to use it in a confined space. Simply
cut this plant back whenever it looks ratty to encourage new
growth. Mexican evening primrose can be planted in full sun or
under the canopies of desert trees such as palo verdes, sweet
acacias, and mesquites. Flea beetles can quickly devastate
plants in the spring and fall, but are easily controlled with
insecticides. Birds feast on the seeds produced after flowering.
USDA Zone 7.
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