Flowers usually blossom during daytime, but some others are "night owls" as they only show their attractive flowers late in the day. The evening primrose is one of these plants and this is why it is named "evening". However, there is a type of evening primrose that can bloom all day long.
The pink evening primrose displays four large, elegant pink petals that makes it look like a goblet, hence it is sometimes called "buttercup" and "pink lady" because of its shape and color. It has a light fragrance and attracts butterflies and bees to pollinate during the long blooming period from April to November.
Pink evening primrose in the morning light. /VCG Photo
The pink evening primrose is native to North America, and was naturalized in many parts of the world later. It is widely planted in temperate and tropical areas for ornamental purpose, but because of its overwhelming vitality, it could become an aggressive weed that is difficult to get rid of.
Thriving pink evening primroses. /VCG Photo
The evening primrose is not only famous for its beauty, but also for its helpful functions as a medicinal herb. Its bulbs before flowering are often collected to make delicious salads, and its seeds are used to make oil capsules. Scientists have discovered that evening primrose oil has a type of acid that helps regulating blood pressure and keeping the immune system functioning well.
Oil capsule made from the evening primrose are very helpful. /VCG Photo
There are only a few things you need to be concerned about when planting it since it is relatively easy for them to grow. An evening primrose will do well in full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. Most of the evening primroses can tolerate drought, so only little supplemental watering is required.
Now these lovely flowers are growing in the Botanic Garden at the Horticultural Expo in Beijing, China, so take your time when visiting and look for them.
Read more from the series "Season of Flower" and other flowers from the Beijing Horticultural Expo:
Cypress vine: Little trumpet flower that attracts hummingbirds
The vivid Chinese hibiscus: an emblem of enthusiasm and vitality
Agave: The queen of tropics flowers only once in a lifetime
(Cover image via VCG. Designed by CGTN's Yin Yating)
(Video filmed by CGTN's Shen Hui, edited by CGTN's Xu Chenlu)
(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com)