Primula vulgaris

There are over 500 species of Primrose and many of them can be quite difficult to grow. As a rule, they prefer a slightly shaded location with humus rich soil that never fully dries out. The selections we grow are good garden plants that require relatively little care.

Wild primrose is one of the first signs of spring. In fact, Primus is the Latin word for first, giving an indication of the early bloom time. Dainty pale yellow flowers with darker yellow centers light up the garden when they burst into bloom. Easy to grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in part shade. They will quickly colonize when happy.

Distinctions: Winner of an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticulture Society

Zones: 5 to 8

Family: Primulaceae

Type: Perennial

Height: 4 to 6 in.

Spread: 4 to 9 in.

Exposure: part-shade

Soil Conditions: average

Bloom Time: March to April

Bloom Color: yellow, rarely white

Native Range: western and southern Europe, northwest Africa, and parts of southwest Asia