Nealley’s Kisses: A Charming Native Annual for Southwestern Gardens
If you’re looking for a delicate, drought-tolerant native that brings ethereal beauty to your garden, meet Nealley’s kisses (Oenothera suffulta nealleyi). This charming annual forb might not be the showiest plant in your garden, but it has a quiet elegance that makes it absolutely worth growing.
What Makes Nealley’s Kisses Special
Nealley’s kisses is a true native of the American Southwest, naturally occurring in Texas and New Mexico. As an annual forb, it completes its entire life cycle in one growing season, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s not worth the effort. This plant has a knack for self-seeding, meaning once you establish it, you’ll likely have delightful volunteers popping up year after year.
The plant produces small, four-petaled flowers that range from white to soft pink, creating a cloud-like effect when planted in masses. These blooms appear from spring through fall, providing consistent color throughout the growing season. What makes this plant particularly special is that its flowers open in the evening, making it a valuable addition for gardeners who want to enjoy their outdoor spaces during cooler evening hours.
Why Grow Nealley’s Kisses in Your Garden
There are several compelling reasons to include this native beauty in your landscape:
- Drought tolerance: Once established, Nealley’s kisses thrives with minimal water, making it perfect for xeriscapes and water-wise gardens
- Pollinator magnet: The evening-blooming flowers attract butterflies, moths, and native bees, including important night pollinators
- Low maintenance: This plant literally thrives on neglect – the less you fuss with it, the better it performs
- Natural texture: The slender stems and delicate flowers add movement and airy texture to garden beds
- Native credentials: Supporting local ecosystems by growing plants that naturally belong in your region
Perfect Garden Settings
Nealley’s kisses shines in several garden styles:
- Xeriscapes and drought-tolerant landscapes
- Native plant gardens
- Wildflower meadows
- Rock gardens
- Natural or cottage-style gardens
It works beautifully as a filler plant among more substantial perennials, or you can plant it en masse for a dreamy, naturalized effect.
Growing Conditions and Care
One of the best things about Nealley’s kisses is how easy it is to grow, especially if you’re gardening in USDA hardiness zones 7-10. Here’s what this southwestern native prefers:
Sunlight: Full sun is essential for the best flowering and overall plant health.
Soil: Well-draining soil is crucial. Sandy or rocky soils are ideal, and the plant actually prefers lean soil over rich, fertile ground. Heavy clay soils should be amended with sand or gravel to improve drainage.
Water: While young plants need regular water to establish, mature plants are remarkably drought tolerant. Overwatering can actually harm the plant, so embrace the less is more philosophy.
Planting and Propagation Tips
The easiest way to grow Nealley’s kisses is from seed:
- Direct seed in fall or early spring when soil temperatures are cool
- Scatter seeds over prepared soil and rake lightly – they need light to germinate
- Keep soil consistently moist until germination occurs
- Once plants are established, reduce watering frequency
- Allow some plants to go to seed if you want volunteers next year
Since this is an annual, you won’t need to worry about dividing or long-term care. The plant will complete its life cycle and drop seeds for next year’s garden.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
While Nealley’s kisses is generally trouble-free, there are a few considerations:
As an annual that readily self-seeds, you might find volunteers in unexpected places. Most gardeners consider this a bonus rather than a problem, but keep it in mind if you prefer a very controlled garden aesthetic.
The plant’s delicate appearance means it might get lost among more robust perennials. Consider planting it in drifts or masses for better visual impact.
The Bottom Line
Nealley’s kisses offers southwestern gardeners a wonderful opportunity to grow a truly native species that supports local pollinators while adding delicate beauty to the landscape. Its drought tolerance, low maintenance requirements, and self-seeding habit make it an excellent choice for gardeners who want maximum impact with minimal effort. If you’re gardening in Texas or New Mexico, this charming annual deserves a spot in your native plant palette.
