primrose
Primula vulgaris
RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles partial sun to partial shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size3 to 6 inches tall3 to 9 inches wide
- Habit
- Clumping
- Bloom season
- Spring, winter
- Bloom color
- Pale yellow
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Primrose (Primula vulgaris) is a perennial for borders, containers, cottage gardens, and woodland gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes part sun or part shade and average to moist soil of most types. It forms a low, clumping mound of green leaves. Its fragrant, pale yellow flowers open in early to late spring and attract butterflies and bees.
Pairs well with Yellow trout-lily, Lenten rose, and Reticulated iris.
Native range
Europe, Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, and 10 more places. See all 14
Europe, Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, Baleares, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., Føroyar, Kriti, Krym, NW. Balkan Pen., Sicilia, and Türkiye.