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Primula (Primrose)

Primrose, Polyanthus primula, Double Primula, Border Auricula, Garden Auricula, Alpine Auricula, Candelabra Primula, Bog Garden Primula, Belled Primula

Primula Types, Primrose Types, Primroses, Polyanthus primulas, Double Primulas, Border Auriculas, Garden Auriculas, Alpine Auriculas, Candelabra Primulas, Bog Garden Primulas, Belled Primulas

Lifting our spirits with their bright colors in the first months of the year, Primulas, also known as Primroses, belong to a huge genus of more than 430 species. Hardy, these cheerful perennials provide a wide range of sizes, and shapes and come in almost every color imaginable. They range from tiny rock garden plants to statuesque candelabras.

  • Happy in a wide range of conditions, they are relatively easy to grow and are not fussy, as long as they are given some shade and average well-drained soils.
  • Depending on the varieties, Primulas bloom from early spring to late summer. Growing different primrose varieties would greatly extend their floral display in your yard – up to 6 months of brilliant colors!
  • Adaptable and versatile, there are Primulas for every type of garden, including urban gardens, cottage gardens, rock gardens, woodland gardens, and bog gardens. They also can be grown in containers.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Genus Primula
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Butterflies

Main Types of Primulas for Your Garden

Primula allionii, Allioni's, Blue Primroses, Pink flowers, Lavender Flowers, Purple Flowers, Shade plants, shade perennial, plants for shade, plants for wet soils

Primula allionii (Allioni’s Primrose)

One of the earliest spring-flowering primroses, Primula allionii (Allioni’s Primrose) is a small evergreen perennial forming a tight cushion of oval, mid-green, sticky leaves which are often hidden by the profusion of flowers. Blooming from late winter to mid-spring, tubular blossoms in shades of white, rose or mauve, usually with white centers, delight the eye. Long-lived, this primrose grows up to 3-4 in. tall (7-10 cm). It is one of the best subjects for the alpine house and is great for rock gardens and containers. USDA Zones: 4-8.

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Primula capitata, Round-Headed Himalayan Primrose, Blue Primroses, Blue flowers, Shade plants, shade perennial, plants for shade, plants for wet soils

Primula capitata (Round-Headed Himalayan Primrose)

Perfect for poorly drained sites, Primula capitata (Round-Headed Himalayan Primrose) is a fascinating semi-evergreen perennial with dense, flattened clusters of tubular, deep violet-purple flowers from late spring to early fall. Lasting for up to 4 weeks, each eye-catching blossom is borne on erect stems frosted with silvery-white ‘farina’. The contrast of the white stems with the dark violet flowers is very beautiful. The flowers arise from a rosette of oblong, pale green, mealy leaves. Grows up to 10-12 in. (25-30 cm). Native to India and Tibet, this perennial thrives in damp, shady environments and makes great cut flowers. Perfect for a moist rock garden or in light shade beside a stream or pond. USDA Zones: 4-8.

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Primula Denticulata, Drumstick Primula, Tooth-Leaved Primrose, Shade plants, shade perennial, plants for shade, plants for wet soilsAGM Award

Primula denticulata (Drumstick Primula)

Drumstick Primula (Primula denticulata) is a robust perennial with dense, rounded flowerheads in shades of lilac, purple, blue, pink, or white. Growing in clumps, it reaches 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) in height with erect stems and lance-shaped leaves. Thriving in damp, shady areas, it brings vibrant blooms from early to late spring. Suitable for USDA Zones 2-8.

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Primula Florindae, Giant Cowslip, Tibetan Cowslip, Bog Primula, Himalayan Cowslip, Tibetan Primrose, Florinda Primrose, yellow flowers, plants for shade, deer resistant plants, deer resistant perennialsAGM Award

Primula florindae (Giant Cowslip)

One of the largest and most fragrant of the primula species, Primula florindae (Giant Cowslip) is a long-lived perennial favored by many gardeners with damp and partially shaded gardens. Hardy and easy to grow, it bears large umbels of delicately scented, nodding, rich, sunny yellow flowers, trimmed with silver farina around the base. Filling the air with their heavenly honey perfume, they bloom from early to late summer and grow up to 4 ft. tall (120 cm). They increase year after year, each plant producing dozens of blooming stems, and naturalize to form cheerful swathes. Virtually disease-free and low maintenance. USDA Zones: 3-9.

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Primula marginata, Silver-Edged Primrose, Blue Primroses, Pink flowers, Lavender Flowers, Purple Flowers, Shade plants, shade perennial, plants for shade, plants for wet soilsAGM Award

Primula marginata (Silver-Edged Primrose)

Very hardy and floriferous, Primula marginata (Silver-Edged Primrose) is an evergreen perennial forming a rosette of beautiful silvery leaves with dramatic toothed edges lined with white farina, guaranteeing interest year-round. Blooming in late winter or early spring, elegant clusters of pleasantly scented, funnel-shaped, blue-lilac flowers adorned with a white heart, are produced on short stems above the foliage. Grows up to 6 in. tall (15 cm). One of the earliest primroses to bloom, this charming primula is perfect for the alpine house. Well-suited to the rock garden, but should be sheltered from excessive rain to prevent the decorative farina to be washed off. USDA Zone: 3-8.

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Primula sieboldii, Siebold Primrose, Cherry Blossom Primrose, Japanese Woodland Primrose, Primula saxatilis, Shade plants, shade perennial, Purple Primore, Purple Flowers, plants for shade, plants for wet soilsAGM Award

Primula sieboldii (Siebold Primrose)

A glorious garden plant, Primula sieboldii (Siebold Primrose) is a deciduous perennial with slender stems bearing umbels of purple, crimson, pink or white flowers. Blooming from late spring to early summer, the dainty blossoms rise above a basal rosette of pale green, wrinkled leaves covered in short hairs. This primrose quickly establishes by self-sowing, without becoming invasive, and looks particularly beautiful planted in informal drifts. Hardy, it tolerates subzero temperatures, goes dormant during periods of extreme heat or drought, and resists some neglect. One of the best woodland primulas. Makes great cut flowers with a long vase life too. Grows up to 12-18 in. (30-45 cm). USDA Zones: 4-8.

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Primula Vialii, Orchid Primrose, Vial's Primrose, Primula Littoniana, Red-Hot Poker Primrose, Chinese Pagoda Primrose, Shade plants, shade perennial, plants for shade, plants for wet soilsAGM Award

Primula vialii (Orchid Primrose)

With its captivating spires of pinkish-purple flowers, Primula vialii (Orchid Primrose) is a remarkable perennial. Its stout stems rise above spear-shaped, light green leaves, creating a stunning display in early to mid-summer. Perfect for damp, shady environments, this native of China adds beauty to bog gardens, ponds, and streams. USDA Zones: 5-8.

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Border Auriculas, Alpine Auriculas, Border Primroses, Garden Auriculas, Dusty Millers, Rock Garden Primulas, Rock Garden Primroses,

Border and Alpine Auriculas (Primroses)

Hardy and exquisite, Border and Alpine Auriculas are vigorous, free-flowering primroses that are strong and sturdy enough to withstand most weather conditions and be grown in the garden. These evergreen perennial plants are incredibly diverse in size and come in almost every color imaginable. They grow up to 8 in. tall (20 cm) and usually enjoy a long flowering season extending from mid to late spring. They bloom for up to 3 months (in normal weather conditions) and sometimes flower again in the fall. They look terrific in containers, or planted in groups at the edge of borders, along paths or in rockeries. USDA Zones: 3-8

Border and Alpine Auriculas (Primroses) Read More
Border and Alpine Auriculas (Primroses) Read More
Candelabra Primroses, Bog Garden Primulas, Primula bulleyana, Primula beesiana, Primula japonica, Primula florindae, Primula pulverulenta, Tall Primroses, Tall Primulas, Wet Soils

Candelabra Primulas (Primroses)

Candelabra primulas are majestic perennial plants noted for their eye-catching flowers carried in numerous whorls up their strong stems, like a wedding cake. Very hardy and long-lived, they enjoy a long flowering season extending from late spring to midsummer, depending on the varieties. Clump forming, they grow up to 1-3 ft. tall (30-90 cm) and self-sow profusely, ensuring that your display continues year after year. They are happiest in bog gardens, near ponds and streams, and grow well in damp shady borders. USDA Zones: 4-8.

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Candelabra Primulas (Primroses) Read More
Double Primroses, Double Primulas, Belarina Series, Primulas,

Double Primroses

Prized by horticulturists since Elizabethan times, Double Primroses have been cherished in English cottage gardens for centuries. How not to be bewitched by their beauty? Often fragrant, the multipetalled blossoms of these perennial plants resemble small roses and are available in a wide range of colors. Very floriferous thanks to their incredible number of buds (one single plant can produce a hundred blooms!), they enjoy a long flowering season extending from mid to late spring. Some cultivars even begin flowering in early spring, providing a long-lasting floral display. Whether planted in the garden border or in containers, they have the effect of stopping passers-by in their tracks. USDA Zones: 3-8

Double Primroses Read More
Double Primroses Read More
Primula vulgaris, Primula elatior, Primula veris, Vernales Primulas, Cowslips, Oxlips, English Primroses, Common Primroses, Primula Acaulis, Primula Polyanthus

Primroses and Polyanthus

Blooming their hearts out for weeks and brightening the dullest days, Primroses and Polyanthus are some of the earliest flowering primulas, blooming from early to mid spring. These cheerful perennial plants are incredibly diverse in size and color and some are wonderfully scented. Their vibrant and colorful flowers are either borne on individual short stems among the leaves (Acaulis type) or carried in long-stalked umbels (Polyanthus type). Reflecting their popularity, there are thousands of cultivars available. Highly versatile, they are perfect for containers, window boxes, or planted in groups at the edge of borders, in rock gardens, woodland gardens, or by streams and ponds. USDA Zones: 4-8.

Primroses and Polyanthus Read More
Primroses and Polyanthus Read More

Primrose Growing Tips

Here are some tips for growing primula:

  • Light: Primula prefers partial shade to full shade, especially during the hottest part of the day.
  • Soil: Primula prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They do best in soil that is moist but not waterlogged.
  • Watering: Water primula regularly, especially during dry periods. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
  • Fertilizer: Primula does not typically require fertilizer, but if you want to give it a boost, you can use a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year.
  • Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around primula plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Propagation: Primula can be propagated by division, seed, or cuttings. Division is the easiest and most reliable method.
  • Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage primula to produce more blooms.
  • Winter protection: Primula can be susceptible to frost damage, so protect them during the winter by covering them with a layer of mulch or leaves.

By following these tips, you can successfully grow primula in your garden and enjoy their beautiful blooms for years to come.

Garden Examples

A Fabulous Planting for Wet Soils: Candelabra Primrose and Fern
Garden Ideas, Border ideas, Perennial Planting, Perennial combination, Spring Borders, Summer Borders, Bog Gardens, Shade gardens, Candelabra primroses, Candelabra Primulas, Ostrich Fern.
A Fabulous Planting for Wet Soils: Candelabra Primrose and Fern
View Garden
A Fabulous Plant Combination for Wet Soils: Candelabra Primroses and Siberian Irises
Spring Combination Ideas, Plant Combinations, Flowerbeds Ideas, Spring Borders,Summer Borders, Siberian Iris Shirley Pope, Iris Sibirica Shirley Pope, Candelabra Primroses, Candelabra Primula, Blue flowers, Purple flowers, Pink flowersAGM Award
A Fabulous Plant Combination for Wet Soils: Candelabra Primroses and Siberian Irises
View Garden
A Fabulous Border Idea with Primula vialii (Orchid Primrose)
Garden Ideas, Border ideas, Perennial Planting, Perennial combination, Summer Borders, Sanguisorba Obtusa, Burnet, Primula Vialii, Orchid Primrose, Campanula Glomerata, Clustered Bellflowers, Persicaria bistorta
A Fabulous Border Idea with Primula vialii (Orchid Primrose)
View Garden
A Charming Plant Combination for Shady Gardens: Candelabra Primroses, Fern and Bugle
Garden Ideas, Border ideas, Perennial Planting, Perennial combination, Spring Borders, Summer Borders, Bog Gardens, Shade gardens, Candelabra primroses, Candelabra Primulas, Ostrich Fern, Phlox divaricata, Primula japonica, Ajuga
A Charming Plant Combination for Shady Gardens: Candelabra Primroses, Fern and Bugle
View Garden
A Fabulous Plant Combination for Wet Soils: Water Iris, Carex and Primroses
Garden Ideas, Border ideas, Perennial Planting, Perennial combination, Spring Borders, Summer Borders, Water Iris, Iris Laevigata, Carex Elata aurea, Bowles Golden sedge, Plant combinations for wet soilAGM Award
A Fabulous Plant Combination for Wet Soils: Water Iris, Carex and Primroses
View Garden
A Fabulous Plant Combination for Moist Soils and Shady Gardens
Garden Ideas, Border ideas, Perennial Planting, Perennial combination, Summer Borders, Astrantia Roma, Great Masterwort, Masterwort Roma, Astrantia Major, Siverian Iris, Iris Sibirica, Carex Elata aurea, Bowles Golden sedge, Plant combinations for wet soi
A Fabulous Plant Combination for Moist Soils and Shady Gardens
View Garden
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By Martin Christopher Parker / Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Genus Primula
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Compare All Primula (Primrose)
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Primula (Primrose)
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Primula (Primrose)

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