Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, north facing, south facing, west facing
Position in border:
Front
Shade type:
Damp

Soil

Prefers rich soil/Succeeds on poor soil:
Acidic / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Primula veris

The cowslip, Primula veris, is one of the most striking native primula species. It has fresh green rosettes of crinkly oval leaves from which several flower stems are produced, each crowned by a one-sided cluster of long, funnel-shaped blooms, rich yellow and sweetly fragrant. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Grow Primula veris in moist soil in partial shade. It's best grown in groups, especially if naturalised in grass, such as around the edge of a pond. Let plants self-seed after flowering, and mulch annually with well-rotted manure or compost.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyesyes
Divideyesyes

Primula and wildlife

Primula is known for attracting bees, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It is a caterpillar food plant and has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Primula poisonous?

Primula has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
Plants that go well with Primula veris
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