Primula vulgaris (Primrose)
Primrose, Wild Primrose, English Primrose, Blue Primrose, Primula acaulis, Primula grandiflora, Primula uniflora Gmelin, Primula vernalis
Harbinger of spring, Primula vulgaris (Primrose) is a compact, semi-evergreen perennial bearing masses of scented, pale yellow flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), adorned with a deep yellow heart from late winter to mid-spring. The luminous blossoms are borne above a rosette of oval, toothed, bright green leaves. Easy to grow, this wild primrose readily self-seeds, turning the ground into a carpet of stunning yellow. Perfect for naturalized areas, cottages, or woodland gardens.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 4-6 in. tall (10-15 cm) and 4-9 in. wide (10-22 cm).
- A part shade lover, it is best grown in humus-rich, moderately fertile, consistently moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates full sun in cool summer regions.
- This plant is very versatile and can be used in beds and borders, in cottage gardens, rock gardens, naturalized areas, or in containers.
- Watch out for pests such as aphids, vine weevils, slugs, leaf and bud eelworms, leaf-mining flies, and glasshouse red spider mites. May be subject to leaf spots, primula brown core, and gray molds.
- To be sown from fall onwards. Established plants should be planted in early fall. Propagate by seed or root basal cuttings.
- Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
- Native to Southern and Western Europe
Not sure which Primula - Primroses to pick?
Compare All Primula - Primroses
Buy Primula vulgaris (Primrose)
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, A3 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Primula - Primroses |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid) Winter |
Height | 4" – 6" (10cm – 15cm) |
Spread | 4" – 9" (10cm – 22cm) |
Spacing | 9" (22cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
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 |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
By Stephen Farhall/Shutterstock, Botanik Foto
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 | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, A3 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Primula - Primroses |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid) Winter |
Height | 4" – 6" (10cm – 15cm) |
Spread | 4" – 9" (10cm – 22cm) |
Spacing | 9" (22cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
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 |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |