The English Primrose
Spring flowering Primula vulgaris are seen as the quintessential English flower. They are native western and southern Europe with 3 sub species that give us the variation in flower colour and leaf form.
It is mainly Primula vulgaris subsp. sibthorpii that gives us the forms with pink to red and purple flowers.
The yellow flowering form is the one we commonly call Primrose, or English primrose and this is a plant that will survive both heat and cold. It grows in dappled shade and is best in a slightly acidic soil, and it will thrive in fertile soils.
Today we have lots of cultivars, different flower colours and some amazing double flowers as well.
A sure sign that spring is on its way, this is clump forming plant, masses of buttery yellow flowers held in small rosettes just above the foliage.
Primula vulgaris Details
Primula vulgaris has been a cottage garden favourite for many years, and regarded as the easiest and least demanding of all of the primulas, it has attractive foliage, a mid green and textured. It spreads slowly to form a dense clump and in spring it blooms, masses of buttery yellow flowers with deeper yellow centres.
It will self seed however it is not regarded as invasive as the seeds seem to drop near the plant.
It will reach around 6 inches (15cm) in height and is naturally clump forming.
How to Grow Primula vulgaris
This is a woodland plant so light shade and moist well drained soil
Position
The amount of sun depends on the climate zone. In cooler zones, grow this one in full sun. In warmer climates it is best in part shade.
Soil
A humus rich well drained soil that retains some moisture is best.
Fertiliser
In good soil, little extra fertiliser is required although a slow release organic fertiliser once a year will be beneficial
Mulch
We mulch around the clump heavily each year. This helps maintain moisture as well as encouraging worms, and good microbial activity in the soil.
Watering
All primroses do not cope well in areas or positions that have long dry summers
Where to grow Primula vulgaris
This is a versatile plant that is suited to the general garden border, rock gardens or in containers.
- Botanical Name – Primula vulgaris
- Common Names – English primrose
- Origins – Europe
- Position – Full sun to part shade
- Soil – humus rich moist.
- Height – To around 15cm (6 inches)
- Spread – Clump forming to over 50cm over time.
- Flowers – Yellow, orange centre with 5 petals.
- Flowering Time – Spring
- Foliage – Mid green, with toothed leaf margins.
More Information
- Propagation is from seed or by root division of established clumps.
- Primulas are toxic to dogs and cats, however we have had no problems with them.
- A few sub species with pink to purple flowers are available, and this is the plant that is parent of the many modern Primula acualis hybrids.
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Terms
- ‘vulgaris’ simply means the species itself
- ‘acualis’ means ‘hybrid’