Photo: Anne ParkerCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Beach Evening Primrose Plant Care
Oenothera humifusa Nutt.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
The Oenothera humifusa, also known as the Low Evening Primrose, is easily identifiable by its bright yellow flowers that bloom in the late afternoon. Originating from North America, this plant is highly sought after by collectors for its ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies with its vibrant blooms.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Beach Evening Primrose?
Water Beach Evening Primrose every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Beach Evening Primrose Native To?
What Is the Beach Evening Primrose?
Beach Evening Primrose (Oenothera humifusa) belongs to the Onagraceae family within the Oenothera genus. Beach Evening Primrose is native to the beaches of Bermuda and the eastern United States from Louisiana to New Jersey, and it has been introduced to Cuba. Beach Evening Primrose is also known as Coastal Evening Primrose.
Beach Evening Primrose displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Beach Evening Primrose produces large, showy yellow or pink blooms that open in the evening.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Beach Evening Primrose?
Oenothera humifusa requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Beach Evening Primrose Need?
Beach Evening Primrose thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Beach Evening Primrose Prefer?
Oenothera humifusa grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Beach Evening Primrose prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Beach Evening Primrose?
Well-draining, sandy soil with a neutral pH. Good drainage is essential for Beach Evening Primrose to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Beach Evening Primrose?
Feed Beach Evening Primrose every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Beach Evening Primrose?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Beach Evening Primrose?
Beach Evening Primrose can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball.
Is the Beach Evening Primrose Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Beach Evening Primrose, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Beach Evening Primrose?
Beach Evening Primrose is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Beach Evening Primrose Need?
Beach Evening Primrose grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Beach Evening Primrose is native to the beaches of Bermuda and the eastern United States from Louisiana to New Jersey, and it has been introduced to Cuba.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 7a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Beach Evening Primrose is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Oenothera genus — compare its care with other Oenothera species on PlantoScan.
Oenothera is part of the Onagraceae plant family — browse all Onagraceae genera and species.
Beach Evening Primrose thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Oenothera humifusa Nutt., family Onagraceae (first published in Gen. N. Amer. Pl. 1: 245 (1818)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Beach Evening Primrose, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Anne Parker, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 7a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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