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Native Plant Society of Texas

Diamond Petal Primrose

Oenothera rhombipetala

Other common name(s):

Fourpoint Evening-primrose, Four-point Evening Primrose, Greater Four-point Evening-primrose

Family:

Onagraceae (Evening Primrose Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Central Great Plains, Chihuahuan Deserts, Cross Timbers, High Plains, Southwestern Tablelands, Western Gulf Coastal Plain
Broken Red Plains, Limestone Plains, Red Prairie
Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands
Carbonate Cross Timbers, Eastern Cross Timbers, Grand Prairie, Limestone Cut Plain, Western Cross Timbers
Shinnery Sands
Canadian/Cimarron Breaks, Caprock Canyons Badlands Breaks, Flat Tablelands and Valleys
Tertiary Uplands

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

3
to
5
ft.

Spread

2
to
3
ft.

Leaf Retention

Semi Evergreen

Lifespan

Biennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Dry, Loam, Sand

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland, Woodland Edge

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Season

Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Nectar, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Bees, Hummingbirds, Moths

Maintenance

For the home landscape, it’s best to in a newly prepared area rather than well-established sites, as it doesn’t do well with a lot of competition. Despite its preference for dry sites, this plant will continue to bloom through the summer if given supplemental water. Trim if it gets leggy. Not common in plant nurseries but seeds are available commercially. Native habitat: prairies meadows, pastures, woodland edges,

Description

Blooms May-September. Grows in a mounding to spreading form. As a biennial this plant will produce a rosette of leaves the first year and a taller plant with flowers the second year. Small, narrow leaves grow the length of long, stout stems. The loose flowering spike is composed of yellow, 2-3 in. flowers, each with four wide petals which taper to a blunt point. The flowers open in the evening and wither the following morning. The fruit is a capsule. The dusk and night flying bee Lasioglossum texanum collects pollen only from the four-point evening-primrose. A night-blooming plant that is a food source for nocturnal pollinators such as Hawk Moths, Hummingbird Moths, and Clearwing Moths, as well as Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds on overcast days.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Oenothera heterophylla var. rhombipetala, Raimannia rhombipetala

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment Mother Nature offers two prime sowing windows. You can sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost in spring, or opt for a fall sowing, allowing the seeds to overwinter and naturally stratify. Select a location blessed with full sun and well-drained soil. Lightly rake the area to loosen the top inch of soil. Sprinkle the tiny seeds across the prepared bed, leaving a bit of space between them. Lightly press the seeds into the soil, ensuring they are barely covered — light is essential for germination. Mist the sown area with water, being careful not to dislodge the seeds. With a bit of patience (usually 2-3 weeks), you’ll be greeted by the emergence of tiny seedlings. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once the seedlings develop a few true leaves, thin them out to provide adequate spacing for healthy growth. As the vibrant yellow flowers fade, keep a watchful eye on the developing seed pods. Once they turn brown and begin to split open, it’s harvest time https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-oenothera-rhombipetala/
Bud Division Using a clean, sharp knife or garden spade, divide the plant into sections. Each section should have a healthy amount of roots and shoots. Replant the divisions in their designated locations, ensuring the crown of each plant sits at soil level. Water them in well and maintain consistent moisture. Early spring, when new growth emerges, presents the ideal time for division. Carefully dig up a mature plant, ensuring minimal disturbance to the roots. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-oenothera-rhombipetala/

About the Region

2026 Fall Symposium Logo

This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason