Overview
Primula elatior is a clump-forming perennial in the genus Primula, part of the Primulaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Primula elatior grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include woodland plantings, cottage gardens, boggy pond edges and damp borders. It is native to Albania, Altay, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Buryatiya, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, East European Russia, France and Germany.
About
Primula elatior, the oxlip, is a species of flowering plant in the family Primulaceae, native to nutrient-poor and calcium-rich damp woods and meadows throughout Europe, with northern borders in Denmark and southern parts of Sweden, eastwards to the Altai Mountains and on the Kola Peninsula in Russia, and westwards in the British Isles.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Primula elatior
About the genus
Primula is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the family Primulaceae. They include the primrose, a familiar wildflower of banks and verges. Other common species are P.
Wikipedia contributors, "Primula", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Primula
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Primula
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Primula elatior size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Height
- 0.3 m
- Suggested uses
- Woodland plantings, cottage gardens, boggy pond edges, damp borders
- Native to
- Albania, Altay, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Buryatiya, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, East European Russia, France, Germany
- Fragrance
- Mild, sweet fragrance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Primula elatior
- Cultivation
- Prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; mulch in winter to protect roots
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back foliage after flowering
- Propagation
- Division
- Pest resistance
- Vine weevil larvae in containers
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Primula elatior?
Prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; mulch in winter to protect roots.
Where is the best place to plant Primula elatior?
Primula elatior prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Primula elatior need?
Primula elatior grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Primula elatior?
Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back foliage after flowering.
How big does Primula elatior grow?
Primula elatior reaches a height of 0.3 m.
Is Primula elatior hardy in the UK?
Primula elatior has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Primula elatior?
Division.
More in the Primula genus
- Primula aurantiaca
- Primula burmanica
- Primula helodoxa
- Primula microdonta
- Primula waltonii
- Primula 'Asthore Hybrids'
- Primula 'Devon Cream'
- Primula 'Ravenglass Vermilion'