Primula veris ‘Sunset Shades’ (Common Cowslip)
Common Cowslip 'Sunset Shades', Bedlam Cowslip 'Sunset Shades', English Cowslip 'Sunset Shades', Fairy Cup 'Sunset Shades', Galligaskins 'Sunset Shades', Gaskins 'Sunset Shades'
Primula veris ‘Sunset Shades’ (Common Cowslip) is a semi-evergreen perennial favored by many gardeners with partially shaded gardens. Hardy and easy to grow, it bears large umbels of nodding, tubular, fragrant flowers in shades of yellow, orange and coppery red in mid-late spring. The brilliant blossoms are borne atop upright stems above delicate rosettes of oblong-ovate, fresh green leaves. A flamboyant choice for the shade garden.
- Grows up to 8-10 in. tall (20-25 cm) and 10-12 in. 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 used for edging, mixed with spring flowering bulbs and other perennials in partially shaded beds and borders, in cottage gardens or 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.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
5 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 8 |
| Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17, A3 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Primulaceae |
| Genus | Primula |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid, Late) |
| Height |
8" - 10" (20cm - 30cm) |
| Spread |
10" - 1' (30cm - 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 | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy, Semi-Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
| Attracts | Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Recommended Companion Plants
Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens
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 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 8 |
| Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17, A3 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Primulaceae |
| Genus | Primula |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid, Late) |
| Height |
8" - 10" (20cm - 30cm) |
| Spread |
10" - 1' (30cm - 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 | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy, Semi-Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
| Attracts | Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
