Alphabetical Plant Listing

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.

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 plantsRead More

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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

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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

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Primula - Primrose

Guides with Primula - Primrose

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