Primula vulgaris | common primrose

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.

English primrose or 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

Fun Fact: The seeds of similar species P. veris and P. elatior are spread by wind, but the seeds of P. vulgaris are spread by ants.

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