Scarlet Beeblossom
Oenothera suffrutescens (syn. Gaura coccinea)
Scarlet beeblossom is a charming, fragrant North American prairie perennial whose flowers perform a daily color transformation — opening white at night to attract moths, then fading through pink to scarlet by the next afternoon before dropping, all on the same plant at once.
Onagraceae (Evening primrose family)
Late spring through summer (April–September); individual flowers last less than one day
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: anacycluss and fireweeds also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Scarlet beeblossom is a uniquely poetic flower — it performs a complete color transformation in a single day, opening white in the cool of the evening to attract moths, then deepening through blush pink to vivid scarlet as the sun rises, before the petals fall by late afternoon. This daily metamorphosis has made it a flower strongly associated with transformation, the beauty of impermanence, and the idea that change itself is a form of beauty. Its Spanish nickname "Linda Tarde" (Beautiful Afternoon) captures this perfectly.Shop Our Floral Collection
Transform your space with our curated selection of designer floral throw pillows
Visit Full StoreBotanical Information
Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun; at least 6 hours for best flowering and compact growth
Water
Low; highly drought-tolerant once established; forms spreading colonies via rhizomes in suitable conditions
Soil
Sandy, Well-drained, Loamy, Limestone and calcareous, Rocky
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in sandy, well-drained soil in a sunny location — tolerates poor and rocky soils well
Spreads via rhizomes and can form large colonies; divide plants in spring if spread needs controlling
Cold-stratify seeds for 60 days before spring planting, or direct-sow in autumn for natural stratification
Listed as a noxious weed in California (B list) — check local regulations before planting in that state
Leave stems standing in winter for structural interest and to shelter overwintering insects
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Prairie, wildflower, and xeriscape garden plantings
- Pollinator and moth gardens — a valuable night-blooming nectar source
- Naturalizing and ground cover on dry, sunny slopes
- Native plant meadow and roadside planting mixes
- Rock and gravel garden filler
Traditional Uses
- Used by the Ramah Navajo as an anti-emetic and panacea preparation, and as a pediatric aid in traditional medicine
- Flowers are fragrant, particularly in the evening when they first open — the scent is an adaptation to attract night-flying moth pollinators
- No widely established use in modern herbal medicine; valued primarily as an ornamental and pollinator plant
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Scarlet Beeblossom
Why does scarlet beeblossom change color?
Scarlet beeblossom opens white at dusk to attract night-flying moth pollinators, then changes to pink and finally scarlet as it matures through the next day — a process driven by anthocyanin pigment development. The color change also signals to daytime bees that the white flowers are freshly opened and worth visiting, while the red ones have already been pollinated.
Is scarlet beeblossom the same as gaura?
Yes — scarlet beeblossom (Oenothera suffrutescens) was formerly classified as Gaura coccinea. The genus Gaura has been merged into Oenothera by modern botanists, so both names refer to the same plant. The ornamental gauras grown in gardens (often sold as Gaura lindheimeri) are related species in the same genus.
Is scarlet beeblossom invasive?
Scarlet beeblossom is listed as a noxious weed in California, where it can spread aggressively. In its native range across the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain states it is a valuable native plant. Always check local invasive plant regulations before planting.
Does scarlet beeblossom attract pollinators?
Yes — scarlet beeblossom is an excellent pollinator plant with a dual strategy: the white evening flowers attract night-flying moths, while the pink and red daytime flowers attract bumblebees and native bees. It has high value to both nocturnal and diurnal pollinators.
How do you grow scarlet beeblossom from seed?
Seeds benefit from 60 days of cold moist stratification before spring planting, or can be direct-sown outdoors in autumn to receive natural winter stratification. Plant in sandy, well-drained soil in full sun. Plants can also be propagated by dividing established rhizomatous clumps in early spring.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
Share This Flower
Explore More Beautiful Flowers
Discover other flowers with similar meanings, characteristics, or cultural significance.
Anacyclus
Anacyclus pyrethrum (and other spp.)
Anacyclus is a low-growing perennial with daisy-like flowers that have white petals with red undersides. It symbolizes resilience, hidden beauty, and adaptation.
Fireweed
Chamaenerion angustifolium (syn. Epilobium angustifolium)
Fireweed is a tall, showy wildflower famous for being the first plant to colonize burned areas after fires. Its spikes of brilliant pink-purple flowers bring hope and color to devastated landscapes, earning it the nickname "nature's phoenix."
Prairie Smoke
Geum triflorum
Prairie Smoke is a distinctive native perennial with nodding bell-shaped pink flowers that transform into spectacular wispy pink seed plumes resembling smoke hovering over the prairie.