Pinkladies (Oenothera speciosa)

Pinkladies

Also known as: Showy evening primrose

Pinkladies natives to the grasslands in the Central United States but spread outside its native states quickly. Today, it has been naturalized in a total of 28 states in the US and spreading as far south as Chihuahua and Coahuila in Mexico. Pinkladies is commonly used as an ornamental ground cover plant but escaped out from the gardens quickly.

Scientific classification

Species

Pinkladies (Oenothera speciosa)

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Perennial, Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

10 cm to 50 cm

Plant Height

30 cm to 60 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

4 cm to 5 cm

Flower Size

Green

Fruit Color

White, Pink

Flower Color

Green, White, Pink

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Pinkladies

Distribution of Pinkladies

Distribution Map

Pinkladies's native habitat is grasslands from the central United States to north and central Mexico. It has been introduced to European countries like Greece and Italy. It can now also be found in rocky prairies, disturbed land, and woods.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Prairies, Plains, Meadows, Pastures, Savannas, Hillsides, Slopes, Woodland edges, Forest openings

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Pinkladies (Oenothera speciosa) is a popular wildflower that has great ornamental appeal for its showy and delicate pink flowers. This low-growing perennial makes for great groundcover and grows well in meadows and coastal and wildflower gardens. Both lavender and yarrow pair well with pinkladies.

Symbolism

Inconstancy, infidelity

Interesting Facts

The blossoms of pinkladies plants are very fragrant and reportedly attract a variety of different insects. As the flowers bloom at night, they are particularly attractive to nocturnal moths, and the night-flying hawk or sphinx moth may be the plant's most likely pollinators.

Name Story

Pink evening primrose: This plant blooms both day and night and it typically blooms during pre-dawn hours. Then, it closes when the full sun hits them. Also, the flowers are pink colored which leads to the naming of pink evening primrose.

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Pinkladies, including the following common varieties :

Pinkladies 'Rosea'Pinkladies 'Siskiyou'

Quickly Identify Pinkladies

Spreading mound slightly over 1 foot (30 cm) high.

Elliptical leaves up to 2 inches (5 cm) long, lightly furry.

Bowl-shaped flowers unfurl from nodding buds to soft pink with yellow center.

Flowers 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) wide, cup-shaped with pink to red veins.

Oval-shaped capsules, about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) in length with distinctive four-angled cross-section.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Pinkladies

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Pinkladies thrives in fluctuating moisture levels and can endure short droughts. A weekly watering regimen is recommended to prevent over-saturation. When grown outdoors, consider natural rainfall's impact on irrigation, as adequate hydration during the growing season is essential for optimal blooming.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, pinkladies requires balanced nutrition fertilizers with bi-monthly applications of a 10-10-10 formula, switching to high phosphorus before flowering. Use one teaspoon per plant, reduce during dormancy, and water soil before application to prevent root burn and ensure vibrant blooms.

Pruning: Pinkladies thrives with regular pruning, particularly in early to late spring. Trim spent flowers and leggy stems to promote compact growth and enhance blooming. Use sterilized tools to minimize stress, improve airflow, and ensure proper light penetration for optimal health and appearance.

Propagation: Pinkladies propagates best in Spring with seeds as the preferred method. Successful propagation is seen with sprouting seedlings. To improve germination rates, soak seeds overnight prior to sowing.

Repotting: Repot pinkladies every 2-3 years in spring using a wider, shallow pot. Ensure well-draining soil and consistent moisture post-repotting. Pinkladies thrives with ample sunlight and minimal disturbance, requiring patience as it adjusts to its new environment.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free

Images of Pinkladies

Distribution of Pinkladies

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify Pinkladies

Care Guide for Pinkladies

PEOPLE ALSO ASK

Common Pests & Diseases