Saltillo Primrose
Oenothera stubbei
A fast-spreading Mexican primrose with sweet-scented dusk flowers that attract hawk moths.
Hardy in USDA zones 8-11 and root-hardy through low-desert winters, it tolerates frost into the low 20s°F with some dieback and revels in summer heat.
AMWUA Notes
A fast, low-water evening groundcover; shear its running stems to keep the spread in check around lawns and paving.
Care Guide
Water every 7-10 days in summer to fuel its fast spread by runners; established plants tolerate less but bloom best with regular moisture and good drainage.
Shear the mat back periodically to control its spreading runners and remove spent bloom; a hard cutback in late winter renews tired growth.
A single light spring feeding suffices; it grows and spreads readily without much input.
Flea beetles may pit the leaves and root rot occurs in wet soil; otherwise easy.
Bright yellow sweetly scented flowers open at dusk spring through fall; it may slow or partially die back in the coldest weeks and rebound in spring.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Grows in a range of well-drained soils including sandy and rocky desert ground; tolerates poor soil but needs good drainage.
Needs well-drained soil.
Low feeder.
Division of rooted runners, stem cuttings, or seed; spreads readily by runners.
3-4 ft on center for fast low coverage
Spreads aggressively by surface runners that creep beyond their spot; shear back to keep it out of turf and paving.
Placement Tips
- •Space 3-4 ft apart for fast low coverage; it spreads by runners to fill gaps quickly.
- •Use along evening-garden paths and patios where the dusk fragrance and hawk moths are enjoyed.
- •Keep sheared back from turf and walkways since runners creep beyond their spot.
- •Plant in full sun for the heaviest bloom.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Wildlife Value
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Saltillo Primrose. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Saltillo Primrose — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Saltillo Primrose need in Phoenix?
Saltillo Primrose is a moderate-water groundcover once established. Water every 7-10 days in summer to fuel its fast spread by runners; established plants tolerate less but bloom best with regular moisture and good drainage. A fast, low-water evening groundcover; shear its running stems to keep the spread in check around lawns and paving.
How big does Saltillo Primrose get?
Expect roughly 0.5-1 ft tall and 4 ft wide at maturity, with a fast growth rate. Allow about 3-4 ft on center for fast low coverage of spacing when planting. Spreads aggressively by surface runners that creep beyond their spot; shear back to keep it out of turf and paving.
Can you plant Saltillo Primrose near a pool?
Yes. Saltillo Primrose is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated low.
Can Saltillo Primrose handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Saltillo Primrose is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Hardy in USDA zones 8-11 and root-hardy through low-desert winters, it tolerates frost into the low 20s°F with some dieback and revels in summer heat. Bright yellow sweetly scented flowers open at dusk spring through fall; it may slow or partially die back in the coldest weeks and rebound in spring.
Does Saltillo Primrose have thorns?
No. Saltillo Primrose is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Saltillo Primrose safe around pets?
Saltillo Primrose is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Saltillo Primrose bloom in Arizona?
Saltillo Primrose blooms in spring-fall, with yellow flowers. The flowers are fragrant. The bloom draws hawk moths, bees.
How much maintenance does Saltillo Primrose need?
Saltillo Primrose is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Shear the mat back periodically to control its spreading runners and remove spent bloom; a hard cutback in late winter renews tired growth.
What kind of soil does Saltillo Primrose need?
Grows in a range of well-drained soils including sandy and rocky desert ground; tolerates poor soil but needs good drainage. Nutrient needs are low. A single light spring feeding suffices; it grows and spreads readily without much input.
Is Saltillo Primrose native to Arizona?
No. Saltillo Primrose is not an Arizona native; it originates from the Northeastern Mexico, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.