2010-06 Evening Primrose

Evening Primrose

From 2010-06 Evening Primrose

We are easy to entertain! 

We sometimes take a walk late in the evening shortly before sunset. One evening Bob, the manager of Creekwood RV Park, called to us to hurry over.  He pointed to a plant in his yard and told us it was just about to “pop open”.  Several others were already standing there watching.

From 2010-06 Evening Primrose

Bob explained that the flowers on this plant, which he thought was called a “Nicademus Plant”, would pop open in a matter of seconds.  The flowers open at night and only last for one day.  He and his wife had watched it for  the first time the night before, and thought it opened about 8:30pm.  We all stood there staring at the plant for about 15 minutes.   We began to think he had set us up for a joke  - “How long can I get these people to stand here staring at this silly bush?”.

However about 8:45pm the plant began to vibrate, and several leaves along the stem could be seen to move as if blown by a breeze.  Then sure enough, a yellow blossom petal popped out.

From 2010-06 Evening Primrose

Shortly afterward the four pedals of the green pod that enclosed the bloom, snapped down and the four yellow pedals of the bloom untwisted and opened.  The whole process only took a few seconds.  It was marvelous to see.

From 2010-06 Evening Primrose

Here are four of the blooms after they have opened.  All opened within a 5 to 10 minute period.

From 2010-06 Evening Primrose

I came back to the RV and did some internet research.  It turns out this is an Evening Primrose.  You might find it an interesting addition to your garden.