Oenothera Missouriensis Aka. Macrocarpa

Sundrop-Ozark

Oenothera macrocarpa
Aka: Oenothera missouriensis
Common Name: Missouri Evening Primrose

Missouri Evening Primrose is a low, sprawling herbaceous perennial grown for its large, bright lemon-yellow, 4-petaled flowers that can reach 3–5 inches across. The blooms open in late afternoon or evening and usually last into the next morning, giving the plant a glowing nighttime presence. Narrow green to gray-green foliage forms a loose, trailing mound, and the plant is especially useful in hot, dry, rocky, or poor soils where many perennials struggle. It is native to rocky prairies, limestone glades, bluffs, and dry open sites in the central U.S.

Type: Herbaceous perennial
Mature Size: 18–24 in. wide × 6–12 in. tall
USDA Zones: 3a–7b
Form: Low, spreading, trailing mound
Light: Full sun
Soil / Water: Well-drained, dry to average soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid wet, heavy soil
Bloom Time / Length: Late spring to summer; individual flowers last about one day but are produced over a long bloom period
Wildlife: Attracts bees, moths, and other night/early-morning pollinators; seeds may be used by birds

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for rock gardens, dry slopes, sunny borders, native plantings, gravel gardens, retaining walls, and hot curbside or driveway edges. The oversized yellow flowers are showy against the low foliage, and the plant works well spilling over stones or edging. Best used where sharp drainage is available.

Care:
Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Do not overwater, especially in winter or heavy clay. Cut back spent stems if the plant gets untidy. It may self-seed lightly in favorable sites, but it is usually much less aggressive than some other evening primroses.

Plant type

Perennial

Height

6-12"

Width

18-24"

Hardiness zones

3–7

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Mid Summer

Flower color

Yellow

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies

Soil

Average, Dry Area, Well Drained

Shape

Low Spreading

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No