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Primula vulgaris (Primrose)

Primrose, Wild Primrose, English Primrose, Blue Primrose, Primula acaulis, Primula grandiflora, Primula uniflora Gmelin, Primula vernalis

AGM Award
Primula vulgaris, Primrose, Wild Primrose, English Primrose, Blue Primrose, Primula acaulis, Primula grandiflora, Primula uniflora Gmelin, Primula vernalis, Yellow Primroses, Shade plants, shade perennial, spring flowers
Primula vulgaris, Primrose, Wild Primrose, English Primrose, Blue Primrose, Primula acaulis, Primula grandiflora, Primula uniflora Gmelin, Primula vernalis, Yellow Primroses, Shade plants, shade perennial, spring flowers

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

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
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 Primulaceae
Genus Primula
Common names Primrose
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid)
Winter
Height 4" - 6"
(10cm - 15cm)
Spread 4" - 9"
(10cm - 23cm)
Spacing 9" (23cm)
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
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden
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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

Erythronium ‘Pagoda’ (Dog Tooth Violet)
Helleborus (Hellebore)
Cyclamineus Daffodils (Narcissus)
Iris reticulata (Dwarf Iris)

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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
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 Primulaceae
Genus Primula
Common names Primrose
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid)
Winter
Height 4" - 6"
(10cm - 15cm)
Spread 4" - 9"
(10cm - 23cm)
Spacing 9" (23cm)
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
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden
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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