Overview
Primula vulgaris is a herbaceous perennial perennial in the genus Primula, part of the Primulaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows 2.7 m wide. Primula vulgaris grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, containers and woodland gardens. It is native to Albania, Algeria, Austria, Baleares, Belgium, Bulgaria, Central European Russia, Corse, Cyprus, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark and East Aegean Is..
About
Primula vulgaris is a species of flowering plant in the family Primulaceae, native to Eurasia. The common name of this plant is primrose, or occasionally common primrose or English primrose to distinguish it from other Primula species referred to as primroses.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Primula vulgaris
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
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Primula vulgaris size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Herbaceous perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Spread
- 2.7 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, containers, woodland gardens
- Native to
- Albania, Algeria, Austria, Baleares, Belgium, Bulgaria, Central European Russia, Corse, Cyprus, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, East Aegean Is.
- Fragrance
- mild, sweet
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Primula vulgaris
- Cultivation
- Prefers cool, shaded locations with moist, well-drained soil. Avoid waterlogged conditions. Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots in winter.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming and prevent self-seeding.
- Propagation
- Seed, division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Primula vulgaris?
Prefers cool, shaded locations with moist, well-drained soil. Avoid waterlogged conditions. Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots in winter.
Where is the best place to plant Primula vulgaris?
Primula vulgaris prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Primula vulgaris need?
Primula vulgaris is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Primula vulgaris?
Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming and prevent self-seeding.
How big does Primula vulgaris grow?
Primula vulgaris reaches a spread of 2.7 m.
Is Primula vulgaris hardy in the UK?
Primula vulgaris has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Primula vulgaris?
Seed, division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Primula genus
- Primula alpicola subsp. lunamoonlight primrose
- Primula alpicola var. violaceaMoonlight Primrose
- Primula aurantiaca
- Primula bulleyanaBulley's primrose
- Primula burmanica
- Primula denticulatadrumstick primula
- Primula florindaeTibetan cowslip
- Primula florindae 'Rasp Red'Rasp Red Tibetan cowslip