Oneonthera flava

Plant profile: Night Blooming Primrose

Night blooming primrose (latin: Oenothera flava) is a really fun plant to have in your garden, as the flowers open right before your eyes! Individual flowers open at different rates of speed, taking anywhere from 30 seconds to a few minutes (and then there’s the odd one that gets stuck and doesn’t open at all.) And all the action takes place at dusk.

 

In our house we’ve nicknamed our Oenothera “the entertainment plant” as we will sometimes go out to the garden after dinner just to sit and watch it bloom.

 

The blooms only last one night, usually shrivelling and fading to an orangey pink by noon the following day.

The leaves are shaped a lot like dandelion leaves. For that reason, I’m always worried about accidentally “weeding” it every spring, when it’s still small!

I did a stop-motion video of a few of our flowers blooming. Take a look:

 

I’ve read that this night blooming primrose is sometimes called Nine-O-Clock (because it blooms at dusk) or stemless primrose (because the flowers come right from the base of the plant, not off of a central stem). There are several varieties of night blooming primrose, some of which are taller than this one, and others that grow more like a creeper but have bigger flowers. I’ve had a couple of the other varieties but have never seen any of the others open this fast.

It’s a perennial plant in my area, and is listed as growing in zones 5 to 8. It likes full sun, but other than that, doesn’t seem too fussy.

 

 

I’ve also heard (don’t know if it’s true) that in Australia people place bets on which bloom in a patch will open, and how fast!

Have you ever grown this plant? What do you think about it? Please leave a note in the comments section below.

 

Update August 10, 2018: I’ve written a related post on how to save the seeds from Night Blooming Primrose

77 Comments

  1. Esther Allen on May 4, 2018 at 10:52 pm

    My mom had these in her garden and after dinner we would sit on the patio and watch the “moon flowers” open. I would love to find starters for my own garden…..

    • Jennifer on May 6, 2018 at 8:57 am

      “Moon flowers” is a great name for them! I’ve heard that it can be challenging to find plants. I believe that Lost Horizons nursery in Acton, Ontario sells them, but I don’t believe they offer mail order services.

    • Heather on June 24, 2021 at 1:33 pm

      Hi, i had never heard of these but neighbour gave me some last summer, and they’ve been a spectacular success in my sunny garden. The daily evening entertainment now is to sit out and watch them open, and then count them. The record has been 47 blooms one evening, from 3 plants! Have you ever divided them? They’re getting too big and I’d love to be able to give some away too. It’s very hard to find any info on them.

      • Sharon Beattie on May 7, 2022 at 2:10 pm

        Hi heather
        I was wondering if I could buy some of these from you
        My email is nannybeattie@hotmail.com
        I have been searching for ever
        Thank you

      • Jen on March 7, 2023 at 11:00 pm

        Hello, I stumbled on this thread and I was hoping maybe someone would help me- I’ve been searching everywhere for these and haven’t had any luck. Could you perhaps spare some seeds? My email is jenavery2.0@gmail.com

        • Kelsey on March 9, 2023 at 8:06 pm

          Outsidepride Oenothera Evening Primrose Yellow Wild Flowers – 5000 Seeds https://a.co/d/9MZhZXQ

          • Jennifer on March 22, 2023 at 8:28 pm

            These seeds are for a different type of Oenothera than I have written about in this post.



        • Darlene on May 15, 2023 at 8:22 am

          Hey Jen, where are you located ?
          I sell these every year and have some potted up and ready to go.

          • Katie on May 17, 2023 at 11:56 pm

            If your close to Illinois I know someone who would love some



          • Katie Fobert on May 18, 2023 at 1:51 am

            If anyone has seeds or plants they would like to sell please email me. Foberts@comcast.net
            It would be much appreciated.



        • Marylou on May 24, 2023 at 12:42 pm

          I have them growing all over! I live in New York on the border of PA. I will gladly mail you seed when I see the seeds. First one to bloom was last night May 23 2023

          • Kathy on June 15, 2023 at 10:11 pm

            Hi
            I would love some seeds … I grew these many years ago and my kids had fun watching them open at night. Would love to share the same experience with my grandchildren .
            Thanks
            My email address is
            Kdywan@gmail.com



          • Joan on June 16, 2023 at 9:50 pm

            Dear MaryLou,

            I would love to have some seeds for Oenathera Flava. I used to grow it years ago, but can no longer find seeds for it. It is really beautiful and such a thrill to watch bloom at dusk. Thank you.
            joan.kargul.baldiga@gmail.com



          • Jenny on July 3, 2023 at 7:29 pm

            Hello! I got some of these plants from my mother in law when they moved out of their house and I only have one left. Would you be able to tell me how to harvest the seeds? Thank you!! I am in PA too!



          • Francine Farmer on September 11, 2023 at 4:25 pm

            Hello,
            I would greatly appreciate seeds for this wonderful plant. I live in Michigan and have a agro permit to receive seeds from other countries. Please let me know – thank you.



      • Katie on May 17, 2023 at 11:50 pm

        Hello does anyone know where I could get seeds or plants. I have not had luck with online searches

    • Brenda on September 9, 2023 at 8:42 am

      Please share with me if you found where to get these at. I had them once before and I would love to get a start again.
      Thank you!

  2. Esther Allen on May 6, 2018 at 9:38 am

    Thanks for the lead, I’m on a mission and hope to find a source. I also heard of a mail order business here in Michigan where I live. Hope to check it out this week.

    • Sophie on July 1, 2020 at 7:19 am

      I have these and live in MI. They return every year and multiply. Amazon has seeds for this.

      • Esther M Allen on July 1, 2020 at 8:11 am

        Sophie, What should I use for the search on Amazon? Just “moon flowers”? Thanks!

        • Sophie on July 1, 2020 at 3:05 pm

          Night blooming primrose (latin: Oenothera flava)
          Are you in MI by chance?

    • Judy Shelley on May 30, 2021 at 10:37 am

      Contact Walter Synes at buddynfo@hotmail.com He has a few for sale.

  3. Nate on May 27, 2018 at 6:08 pm

    I, too am searching for a source for getting this plant. My family had them growing up, but they vanished from lack of cultivation in the North Carolina sun. If anyone finds a source, please post! Alternately, i would pay anyone who has a stand of these to ship some my way!

    • Sophie on July 1, 2020 at 7:20 am

      Amazon has seeds

  4. Sandy W on June 21, 2018 at 10:03 pm

    I have these growing around my pond they have started to multiply now after having two of them for a few years, A friend of mine had them and she gave me two plants.

    • Nancy Robertson on July 22, 2018 at 3:39 pm

      I would love some seeds if you could mail them.

  5. Paul Miller on July 1, 2018 at 12:58 pm

    I received a packet of seeds from a friend. This variety is a bit taller (3 feet) but otherwise the same.

  6. Esther Allen on July 1, 2018 at 4:46 pm

    I thought I had a source for these plants but unfortunately it is no longer a viable option. So I’m back on the hunt…

  7. Kathy H on July 9, 2018 at 9:22 am

    We had them around our pond for years and I put a couple of them in pots to take with us when we moved this spring and haven’t put them in the ground yet. It’s been 3 months and they are doing really well in the pots.

    • Vicki Butler on August 24, 2022 at 11:14 am

      I have a healthy plant in a flower pot and wanted to know how to keep it over winter

  8. Nancy Robertson on July 22, 2018 at 3:37 pm

    I had some years ago but- through a series of unfortunate events that started with potting them to get them out of the way of some construction- they have all been murdered. I would love some seeds to re-start.

  9. Terri C on July 26, 2018 at 11:13 pm

    Hello! I, too, had these growing up, and was successful in planting seeds last summer from my Mother’s yard, which produced lovely flowers this year. I’d be glad to mail some seeds to whomever would like some.

    • Val on August 12, 2020 at 2:52 am

      Hi. I see this was posted some time ago and don’t know if you’ll see this or if the offer is still available. I too grew up with these and would love some seeds, if offer is still available. Thank you…..Val

      • Terri CHASTAIN on August 12, 2020 at 8:25 am

        Hi Val!
        Please send your address to me at Terri.Hudson27@gmail.com and I will mail seeds to you.
        Regards,
        Terri

        • Anne on August 10, 2021 at 3:11 pm

          Hi Terri. I was wondering if you still had seeds. I have been searching for this flower for a long time. Are they the shorter ones? I saw someone posted they received some from a friend and they were about 3 feet tall.
          Thank you.

      • Anne on August 10, 2021 at 3:07 pm

        Hi Val. I was wondering if you received the seeds and if you were able to get them to grow. I am in search of this flower too.

    • Ruth Paszkowski on March 8, 2022 at 3:21 pm

      hello Terri if possiable could you send me some seeds. i love this plant, but i can’t find any plants or seeds for sale in the u.s.

    • Shron on May 25, 2022 at 11:04 am

      Hi Terry
      Are you still able to sell some seeds for these plants
      nannybeattie@hotmail.com

    • Barbara Cunningham on June 9, 2022 at 4:00 pm

      IAM in Ontario Canada. Do u still have sees u can share?
      Thanks Barbara

  10. Esther Allen on July 26, 2018 at 11:25 pm

    Wow, Terri C.. I have been unable to locate a source for plants or seeds. My mom had them growing in her yard years ago. I would absolutely love to have a start for my own yard!’

    • Esther Allen on August 10, 2018 at 6:51 pm

      Terri C. any chance you could send me some of the seeds you have? Or is there anyone else have seeds available??

      • Terri Chastain on August 10, 2018 at 7:52 pm

        Absolutley! Just let me know where to send them : )

  11. Lill Medwechuk on August 10, 2018 at 4:04 pm

    I have this plant at the house I bought, could you please let me know how to save the seeds then I could give them to people

    • Jennifer on August 10, 2018 at 7:23 pm

      Hi Lill, thanks for the suggestion–I’ve just published a post with this info. There’s now a link to it at the bottom of this post (scroll up from the comments) or you can use the search function on the top toolbar to find it. Hope it’s helpful for you!

  12. Terri Chastain on August 10, 2018 at 4:56 pm

    Hello!
    I just kept a ‘branch’ of the plant in a ziploc bag and let it dry out. Then the seeds fell out inside the bag – lots of them! It didn’t bloom the first year, but did the following summer.

    I hope this helps!

  13. Nancy Robertson on August 10, 2018 at 5:33 pm

    For many different plants I have put the spent bloom in an envelope. When it is dry the seeds fall out. Don’t forget to LABEL it; that seems to be my biggest problem.
    If you have seeds for Oenothera flava I would like some.

    • Jennifer on August 10, 2018 at 7:11 pm

      Nancy, please check your email for a message from me on July 23rd at 9:35 a.m.

  14. Terri Chastain on August 10, 2018 at 7:55 pm

    Absolutley! Just let me know where to send them : )

  15. Esther Allen on August 10, 2018 at 8:30 pm

    Terri, I would be thrilled if you could send me some seeds!!
    My address is 3394 English Hills Dr NW Walker, MI 49544
    Thank you so much I’m advance!!

  16. Terri Chastain on August 10, 2018 at 9:56 pm

    I’ll mail some tomorrow!

  17. Esther Allen on August 10, 2018 at 10:23 pm

    Thank you Terri!! That makes my heart happy!! I’ll certainly keep you posted!

  18. Terri Chastain on August 11, 2018 at 12:03 am

    It makes my heart happy to share the seeds that I’ve been blessed with!

  19. Esther Allen on August 26, 2018 at 9:30 pm

    Terri, so sorry for the delay I’m getting back with you. I did receive the seeds from you and am very excited to get them in the ground. My schedule has forced me to delay the planting until after the Labor Day weekend. My plan is to plant just a few then and watch them carefully as the growing season in Michigan will be soon coming to an end…. I plan on keeping the rest of the seeds and will plant the rest in the spring. I know if I can get the safely established, they will grow like weeds!! I will keep you posted and thanks again!

  20. Patricia on September 20, 2018 at 7:35 pm

    Are these perennials?

  21. Esther Allen on September 20, 2018 at 8:38 pm

    Yes they are. When my mom had them growing in her flower beds they returned every year. The hard part was recognizing them on the spring. The leaves looked very much like dandelion leaves, so we had to be careful not to “weed them out” One established they spread rapidly each year!

    • Patricia on September 20, 2018 at 10:41 pm

      Thanks.

  22. Erin on April 19, 2019 at 10:24 am

    I would LOVE IT if someone could send me some seeds.

  23. Terri CHASTAIN on April 19, 2019 at 12:19 pm

    Hi Erin!
    I have lots of them and would be glad to send some your way.
    Please respond to: Terri.hudson27@gmail.com

  24. Judy on July 2, 2019 at 8:33 pm

    I’m in the Niagara region of Ontario. It took me years to find replacement night blooming primrose plants to replace ones that I accidentally killed by dead heading their wilted blossoms. I’m thrilled to have new ones in my garden.

    • Jennifer on July 6, 2019 at 4:30 pm

      I didn’t realize dead heading would kill them, Judy. Good to know! Thanks!

  25. Cindy on July 4, 2019 at 9:13 am

    Hi there,

    The posts here are a joy to read. I was searching online to find out which type of primroses I have at my home in Michigan, when I found this blog. These special flowers have a magical way of bringing people together, I believe.

    I have this same wonderful kind of yellow, long stem, fast-blooming primrose flower and was lucky to hold onto them. I originally inherited them at my last home of 20 years and loved to watch their evening blooms. They were my favorites and it is great to finally know their strain, thanks to this blog!

    Two years ago I moved and quickly afterward lost the batch I had transferred. Our first summer here consequently went on without my beloved flowers. The lady who bought my house immediately went to work on gutting the entire flower garden areas of the yard. (Broke my heart!) My sister had taken and rescued some batches though (thankfully!), while on a chance visit with me a few days after I had handed over keys to the old house.

    My sis kept them going and later brought me a rescue batch…Best little sister ever! I have moved them three times around the yard at my new house. No blooms came but the plants endured. Finally, with the last transplant mission, I found a perfect spot in my yard and the primroses are flourishing. Happy ending here, as the last two nights have been healthy blooms.

    My long stem yellow primroses are spreading fast and I am so happy to have them back. We call them the moon lilies at my house… We are really happy and fortunate to have back our family’s evening moon lily show. It was so nice to read stories here about how these enduring flowers have a special place with other homes and families, too.

    Happy Independence Day, everyone!

    • Jennifer on July 6, 2019 at 4:32 pm

      Wow, you had to go through quite a lot to keep your primroses, Cathy. Yay for your sister! I wish people wouldn’t rip out gardens when they buy (especially when they don’t yet understand what they’re ripping out).

  26. Barb Jezewski on March 20, 2020 at 10:27 pm

    We had some night blooming primrose that opened as we watched them. However, our plants were about 3 feet tall. Unfortunately, we no longer have any left. Does anyone know where I can get any of the taller ones? I would appreciate any help.

  27. Terri CHASTAIN on March 21, 2020 at 4:33 pm

    Hi Barb!
    I’ve got seeds if you’re interested. We just planted some indoors hoping we can move them outside once the weather permits.
    Let me know and I’ll put some seeds in the mail to you.
    Take care,
    Terri

    • Kathy Blue on March 31, 2021 at 8:32 am

      Hello, this is a long shot – – but I am looking for seed for this primrose Oenthera Flava and I see you may have some. I would gladly purchase some from you if you have any available. I live in NC Blue Ridge foothills – – have retired here and filling our cottage garden with perennials – – – I so miss this plant.

  28. Teresa Roukema on June 2, 2020 at 10:15 pm

    I am so in search of the seeds, the one that is not tall. Has the look of dandelion leaves, I think sometimes that is its downfall. Mistaken identity!

    • Barb Yuhas on October 11, 2021 at 8:39 am

      Are you still looking for seeds for this plant?

  29. Kimberly Schmidt on June 28, 2020 at 5:35 pm

    I would love to purchase seeds of these plants as well my family had them as I was growing up and from move to move to move they have all dies off….. willing to pay to have them shipped for sure if anyone would be willing to share,,

  30. Terri CHASTAIN on June 28, 2020 at 6:15 pm

    Hello Kimberly,

    Please send me an email and I will mail you some seeds – no charge : )

    Terri
    Terri.chastain27@gmail.com

  31. April McKinnis on April 9, 2021 at 2:26 pm

    I have been looking for seeds for these plants for 20 years. Growing up my family all had them growing in their yards. I have tried multiple times to transplant one from my parents, but they usually don’t survive the trip across the country too well. I got 1 bloom one year, but the plant didn’t come back the next year. Would anyone be able to send me some seeds? I would be forever grateful!

    my email is mckinnis.april@gmail.com
    thank you in advance

    April

  32. Julia Ouellette on May 8, 2021 at 9:30 pm

    I live in Northern Ontario in a Zone 4 area and have had these plants in my garden for several years and they come back beautifully every year. They are hard to transplant since they have a tap root, but it can be done. I am hoping to be able to give some to a friend this year.

    • Amber on October 9, 2022 at 10:33 pm

      Hello! I have one plant that is growing like crazy and have been trying to see if I can divide it. You’ve had success? May I ask what you do? Thanks!

  33. Tony on June 29, 2021 at 1:32 pm

    I had this in my old house but have never been able to find it again. Any idea where one can purchase the plant.

  34. Alice on March 24, 2022 at 6:07 pm

    We lucked into some of these in the garden of a house we purchased and after we had to move away, we have been missing them. We’ve tried to find them (wishing we had dug them up and brought them with us!). If anyone finds a source, or if there are seeds available (we were neglectful gardeners and just let them spread), we’d be so appreciative.

  35. Chris Davis on May 24, 2023 at 1:52 am

    Hello,

    My wife and I had these for years, only to lose every single one with a premature spring in March, followed by a late heavy frost. We live in Maryland, and I believe the original plants came from the Buffalo, NY area. Willing to pay for plants/seeds, provided they are of the specific variety we previously had.

    Subject variety has the following characteristics:
    — Flourescent yellow flower which opens up at dusk, then dies off by early morning
    — Plant’s leaves resemble those of a dandelion, but are perhaps a bit more slender.
    — Plant stays close to the ground, with a height around 6-9 inches or so.
    — Blooming season seems to be about 4-6 weeks starting late May / early June

    Anyone wishing to contact me with further information can do so at CLDavis@myactv.net. Please put Night Bloomers in the title of the e-mail.

    Thank You!!

  36. Carol Lucey on May 31, 2023 at 11:49 pm

    I live in Buffalo, New York, and these are one of my favorites. I have a hard time keeping them in my garden beds because the rabbits love them! I’ve had pretty good success keeping them in pots. Last year I moved the pots to the garage for the winter and they came to life again this spring. I will have seeds in the fall.

  37. Lynn Johnstone on June 20, 2023 at 12:29 pm

    For years, we have called them Midnight Dandelions.

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