Primula vulgaris (Pr/Prim)
primrose
A rosette-forming evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial about 20cm tall, with tongue-shaped, deeply veined, bright green leaves, with scented, usually primrose-yellow flowers 2.5-3.5cm across, in early spring
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Primulaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Primula are herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennials, forming a basal rosette of simple leaves, with salver-shaped or bell-shaped flowers which may be solitary or carried in an umbel or in whorls on an erect stem
- Name status
Correct
- Horticultural Group
- Primrose group primulas are mainly grown as herbaceous perennials, and produce clusters of flowers on individual stems from the basal rosettes, although a few may also have umbel-like flowers. They are either spring-flowering, if grown without protection, or winter- to spring-flowering, if grown as biennial container plants in greenhouses or indoors.
- Plant range
- Europe, W Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow as biennials for bedding, in a container, in a woodland garden, rock garden or naturalised in grass. Favours a sheltered position in sun or partial shade. See primula cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed or root basal cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- hanging basket
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, vine weevil, slugs, leaf and bud eelworms, leaf-mining flies and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to a leaf spot and grey moulds
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.