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Primrose Primula vulgaris

Other plants called Primrose:

Previously known as:

  • Primula acaulis
Phonetic Spelling
PRIM-yew-luh
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Primrose is an herbaceous perennial that has fragrant, showy pale yellow to cream-colored flowers. It forms a basal rosette of wrinkled leaves and blooms in April. It prefers cool summers and will need protection from the hot afternoon sun in the southeast. 

Plant in humusy, moist, well-drained soils in partial shade. Maintain consistent moisture. They can be used along ponds or streams, in woodland gardens, borders or in containers.

Potential Problems: insects- Slugs, snails, aphids and red spider mites. Diseases:-Botritis, gray mold, root rot, rust, powdery mildew and leaf spots may occur. Susceptible to several viruses.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Belarina Lively Lilac'
'Belarina Lively Lilac'
Tags:
#fragrant flowers#spring flowers#stream banks#pond garden#hairy leaves#border front#partial shade tolerant#HS302#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#container plant#boggy sites#woodland
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Belarina Lively Lilac'
'Belarina Lively Lilac'
Tags:
#fragrant flowers#spring flowers#stream banks#pond garden#hairy leaves#border front#partial shade tolerant#HS302#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#container plant#boggy sites#woodland
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Primula
    Species:
    vulgaris
    Family:
    Primulaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Used in herbal medicine
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Europe, western Asia
    Edibility:
    Leaves can be eaten raw or cooked
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 3 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Ovate capsule with 30-40 seeds
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Cream/Tan
    Gold/Yellow
    White
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Funnel
    Flower Description:
    1" across pale yellow to cream-colored flowers in clusters in April.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Rosulate
    Leaf Shape:
    Obovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Crenate
    Dentate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    6-8 inch crinkled obovate leaves grow in a rosette. Hairs on the undersides and toothed margins.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Pond
    Riparian
    Small Space
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Garden for the Blind
    Rain Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Problems:
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Mild vomiting
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Unknown
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No