Overview
Primula veris is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Primula, part of the Primulaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Primula veris 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 Flanders.
About
Primula veris, the cowslip, common cowslip, or cowslip primrose, is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the primrose family Primulaceae. The species is native throughout most of temperate Europe and western Asia, and although absent from more northerly areas including much of northwest Scotland, it reappears in northernmost Sutherland and Orkney and in Scandinavia.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Primula veris
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 veris size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Height
- 0.3 m
- Suggested uses
- Woodland plantings, cottage gardens, boggy pond edges, damp borders
- Native to
- Flanders
- Fragrance
- mild, sweet
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Primula veris
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade; avoid waterlogged conditions; mulch in winter to protect roots
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower heads to encourage further blooming and prevent self-seeding
- Propagation
- Division
- Pest resistance
- Vine weevil larvae in containers
- Disease resistance
- Leaf spot, Grey moulds
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Primula veris?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade; avoid waterlogged conditions; mulch in winter to protect roots.
Where is the best place to plant Primula veris?
Primula veris prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Primula veris need?
Primula veris grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Primula veris?
Remove spent flower heads to encourage further blooming and prevent self-seeding.
How big does Primula veris grow?
Primula veris reaches a height of 0.3 m.
Is Primula veris hardy in the UK?
Primula veris 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 veris?
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'