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Primula elatior (Oxlip)

Oxlip, Great cowslip, True Oxlip, Bardfield Oxlip, Primula leucophylla, Primula lofthousei, Primula montana Opiz, Primula ruprechtii

AGM Award
Primula elatior, Oxlip, Great cowslip, True Oxlip, Bardfield Oxlip, Shade plants, shade perennial, yellow flowers, plants for shade, deer resistant plants, deer resistant perennials
Primula elatior
Primula elatior, Oxlip, Great cowslip, True Oxlip, Bardfield Oxlip, Shade plants, shade perennial, yellow flowers, plants for shade, deer resistant plants, deer resistant perennials

Hardy and easy to grow, award-winning Primula elatior (Oxlip) is a semi-evergreen perennial favored by many gardeners with partially shaded gardens. It bears one-sided clusters of nodding, soft yellow, fragrant flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), adorned with a darker heart. Blooming from mid-spring to early summer, the luminous blossoms are borne atop upright stems that arise from a delicate rosette of oblong-ovate, fresh green leaves. A sight to be treasured when planted in drifts or swathes. Perfect in a woodland garden or other naturalized area.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society 
  • Easily growing up to 10-12 in. tall and wide (25-30 cm).
  • A part shade lover, it is best grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Full sun may be tolerated in cool summer areas.
  • This plant is very versatile and can be mixed with spring flowering bulbs and other perennials in partially shaded beds and borders, in cottage gardens, or in naturalized areas.
  • Deer and rabbit resistant but watch for aphids, vine weevils, slugs, leaf and bud eelworms, and glasshouse red spider mites. May be subject to a leaf spot and gray mold.
  • Propagate by seed or root basal cuttings
  • Native to Europe, southwestern Asia.

Primula (Primrose): How to Grow and Care with Success


Want to learn how to grow and care for Primrose flowers like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of these striking plants

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Primulaceae
Genus Primula
Common names Primrose, Oxlip
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 10" - 1'
(25cm - 30cm)
Spread 10" - 1'
(25cm - 30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Primula auricula ‘Mick’ (Primrose)
Primula auricula ‘Ancient Society’ (Primrose)
Primula auricula ‘Eden Greenfinch’ (Primrose)
Primula auricula ‘Baltic Amber’ (Primrose)
Primula auricula ‘Golden Hind’ (Primrose)
Primula auricula ‘Adrian’ (Primrose)

Recommended Companion Plants

Anemone nemorosa (Wood Anemone)
Myosotis sylvatica (Wood Forget-Me-Not)
Helleborus (Hellebore)
Muscari (Grape Hyacinth)

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Primula (Primrose): How to Grow and Care with Success
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Primulaceae
Genus Primula
Common names Primrose, Oxlip
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 10" - 1'
(25cm - 30cm)
Spread 10" - 1'
(25cm - 30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Primula (Primrose)
Guides with
Primula (Primrose)
Not sure which Primula (Primrose) to pick?
Compare Now

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