Primula veris (Common Cowslip)
Common Cowslip, Bedlam Cowslip, English Cowslip, Fairy Cup, Galligaskins, Gaskins, Herb Peter, Key Flower, Keywort
Fragrant, with rich, sunny yellow flowers, award-winning Primula veris (Common Cowslip) is a semi-evergreen perennial favored by many gardeners with partially shaded gardens. Hardy and easy to grow, it bears umbels of nodding, bell-shaped flowers in mid-late spring, atop upright stems and delicate rosettes of oblong-ovate, fresh green leaves. Primroses are brilliant vehicles for adding color to the shade garden.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
- Easily growing up to 8-10 in. tall (20-25 cm), Cowslip produces seeds and may establish itself to form extensive populations in disturbed areas.
- 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 used for edging, mixed with spring flowering bulbs and other perennials in partially shaded beds and borders, in cottage gardens, containers.
- Virtually pest-free and low maintenance, it attracts birds and butterflies, but deer and rabbit will ignore it!
- Cowslip seed needs a period of chilling to break dormancy - it therefore needs to be sown in late summer or fall, with germination taking place the following spring.
- Native throughout most of temperate Europe and western Asia.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17, A3 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Primula - Primrose |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) |
Height | 8" – 10" (20cm – 25cm) |
Spread | 10" – 1' (25cm – 30cm) |
Spacing | 9" – 12" (22cm – 30cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Semi-Evergreen |
Native Plants | United Kingdom |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
By Stefan Holm/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.
Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17, A3 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Primula - Primrose |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) |
Height | 8" – 10" (20cm – 25cm) |
Spread | 10" – 1' (25cm – 30cm) |
Spacing | 9" – 12" (22cm – 30cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Semi-Evergreen |
Native Plants | United Kingdom |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |