White Flower Farm
Oenothera speciosa 'Siskiyou'
Best low-maintenance ground cover for suppressing weeds in sunny, dry areas.
The Oenothera speciosa 'Siskiyou', commonly known as Mexican Evening Primrose, is a vigorous plant that forms dense, weed-smothering mats, making it an excellent ground cover. It features rose-pink flowers with dark veins that shade to white in the center, showcasing a greenish-yellow throat. These blooms are most vibrant in late spring through summer, and the plant can be encouraged to rebloom with a simple cutback after the initial flowering fades. Discovered at the renowned Siskiyou Rare Plant Nursery, this variety thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil and exhibits drought tolerance once established. It spreads vigorously via running roots, so plan for its expansive nature.
$24.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
29
/ 2989
#29 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-10%
Below average
Hardiness Zone
59
/ -
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking reliable, long-lasting seasonal color
- Busy homeowners wanting low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscaping
- Landscapers needing fast-growing plants to suppress weeds
Who should skip it
- Minimalists worried about plants overtaking small garden beds
- Perfectionists who dislike grooming spent flowers
- Owners of shady yards with limited direct sunlight
Performance breakdown
Ground cover efficacy
Dense matting habit effectively suppresses weeds in large garden beds.
Drought resilience
Established plants thrive with minimal supplemental water in sunny spots.
Bloom duration
Consistent reblooming potential extends color well beyond the initial spring flush.
Growth vigor
Rapid spreading via running roots requires careful site planning and containment.
Establishment success
Pint-sized containers minimize transplant shock for faster root system development.
Soil adaptability
Handles poor soil conditions better than most ornamental flowering perennials.
Key Specs
Hardiness Zone
5-9
Exposure
Sun (or partial shade in the South)
Mature Height
10-12 inches
Spacing
15-18 inches
Ships as
1 Pint (28.86 CU IN.)
Features
- Forms dense, weed-smothering mats ideal for ground cover.
- Flowers transition from rose-pink to white with a greenish-yellow throat.
- Reblooms if cut back after initial flowering period.
- Vigorous spreader due to running roots, requiring space or containment.
- Tolerates drought and poor soil conditions.
- Plants shipped in 1 pint pots to minimize transplant shock.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and reliability of the 'Siskiyou' evening primrose from White Flower Farm. Reviewers frequently note how robust and healthy the plants arrive, establishing quickly and spreading vigorously to create a beautiful groundcover. The long lasting, delicate pink blooms provide continuous aesthetic appeal throughout the season. While the initial purchase price is premium, the plant's dependable performance and ease of care justify the investment, making it a highly valued addition to perennial gardens.
Know before you buy
This variety is a vigorous grower that spreads via running roots. It is excellent for covering large areas quickly, but you should plant it where it has room to roam or use a physical barrier to contain its expansion.
The primary bloom occurs from late spring through summer. To encourage a second flush of flowers, simply cut the plant back once the initial flowering begins to fade.
Yes, it is quite resilient. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and performs well in poor soil conditions, making it a low-maintenance choice for challenging spots in the garden.
It thrives in full sun. If you are gardening in the South, it will also tolerate partial shade to protect it from the most intense afternoon heat.
Space your plants 15 to 18 inches apart. Because of their mat-forming habit, this spacing allows them to fill in and create a dense, weed-smothering carpet over time.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$25