Scarlet Beeblossom

(Oenothera suffrutescens)

Scarlet Beeblossom (Oenothera suffrutescens)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Oenothera suffrutescens, commonly known as Scarlet Beeblossom, is an annual herb native to open grasslands, prairies, and savannas in Mexico and the Central and Southwestern USA and Canada. It is characterized by a woody base and heavy roots, with stems that can vary from 10 centimeters to over a meter in height, often sprawling and covered in small, stiff hairs. The plant features spike inflorescences of several flowers each, with four long, stiff sepals that open and reflex toward the stem as they mature. The flowers have four spoon-shaped petals that start white to yellowish and may turn pink with age. Each flower boasts eight long stamens with large anthers that are red, pink, or yellowish, encircling a prominent long stigma. The fruit is a woody capsule less than a centimeter long.

Scarlet Beeblossom is valued for its unique flowering habit and the color transition of its petals, which can add visual interest to wildflower gardens, meadows, and naturalized areas. It is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water-use landscapes. This plant thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soils, ideally sandy or loamy. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can self-seed prolifically under favorable conditions, which should be considered when planting in smaller gardens or near natural areas to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-2 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant

Natural Habitat

native to open grasslands, prairies, and savannas in Mexico and the Central and Southwestern USA and Canada

Other Names

Common Names: Southern Beeblossom , Scarlet Bee-Blossom , Scarlet Gaura , Scarlet Butterfly Plant , Scarlet Gaura , Wild Honeysuckle , Duftende Prachtkerze , Linda Tarde , Gaura Écarlate , Gaura-Escarlate

Scientific Names: Oenothera suffrutescens , Gaura coccinea , Gaura coccinea var. parvifolia , Gaura coccinea var. glabra , Gaura coccinea var. epilobioides , Gaura coccinea var. typica , Gaura coccinea var. arizonica , Gaura glabra , Gaura coccinea var. coccinea , Gaura epilobioides

GBIF Accepted Name: Oenothera suffrutescens (Ser.) W.L.Wagner & Hoch