Primula

( PRIM - yew - luh )

At-A-Glance Information

Primula, or Primrose, is a genus of flowering perennials that are commonly grown as annuals. They require full sun in cooler climates only; otherwise, they are happiest in partial shade. Primrose needs regular water to flower and otherwise perform well in the garden. They are native to the Himalayas, Southeast Asia, and Europe and are popular ornamentals due to their colorful blooms. Most flower in spring, but some species bloom in mid to late winter. Use Primrose in shady borders, woodland gardens, and in containers on patios and walkways. They can also be mass-planted to create carpets of color. Take care when planting these flowers in the garden, as plant parts can cause contact dermatitis when touched or symptoms of toxicity if consumed by humans or pets.

Primula Species and Varietals

The genus Primula is the type member of the plant family Primulaceae and includes over 500 species of flowering plants. Plants in this genus are closely related to those in Dodecatheon (Shooting Stars). The best growing zones for Primrose vary depending on the species and variety. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Primula allionii (Allioni's Primrose)
Native to southern France and northern Italy, these small, spreading plants prefer to grow on cliffs at relatively high altitudes. These evergreen perennials reach up to 4 inches tall and 8 inches wide with leathery, hairy foliage and flowers that open in late winter to early springtime. Blooms are light pink. The specific epithet for the species honors Italian botanist Carlo Allioni. Allioni's Primrose grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.

Primula alpicola (Moonlight Primrose, Joseph's Sikkimensis, Marsh Primrose, Tibetan Primrose, Himalayan Cowslip)
This species is best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing zones 3-6 and 17, and reaches 20 inches tall and a foot wide. Leaves are green and flowers are yellow, sometimes white or purple and bloom in summertime. Blossoms are very fragrant. Plants are native to Tibet and Bhutan. Subspecies include Primula alpicola violacea, which has purple to violet colored blooms.

Primula amethystina (Wild Primrose, Amethyst Primrose, 紫晶报春)
Native to China these plants typically prefer to grow in wet, boggy soils. They produce up to 20 bell-shaped flowers on short stalks. Blooms are fragrant and violet blue (pink when they are dried), and form in drooping clusters at the tips of purple-red stems. Wild Primrose is suited for USDA hardiness zone 3.

Primula auricula (Auricula, Bear's Ear, Mountain Cowslip)
This evergreen species is best in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 or Sunset growing zones A2, A3, 1-6. 15-17, and 22-24. Reaches 6-8 inches tall and a foot wide. Leaves are grey-green and leathery and flowers bloom in early spring. Blossoms can be white, cream, yellow, orange, pink, rose, red, purple, blue or brown. Great in pots or containers, and there are many varieties available. Plants are native to mountain ranges in central Europe.

Primula bulleyana (Primula beesiana) (Candelabra Primrose, Bulley's Primrose, Orange-Red Candelabra Primrose, 桔红灯台报春)
These semi-evergreen flowering plants reach about 2 feet tall and wide, with yellow flowers that open from orange buds. Grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5-10 or Sunset growing zones 3-6 and 15-17. This species blooms in mid to late spring in its native range (China), and is commonly grown as a garden ornamental.

Primula capitata (Round-Headed Himalayan Primrose, Asiatic Primrose, Buttonhead Primrose, Capitate Primrose, 头序报春)
These short-lived perennial plants form semi-evergreen rosettes of green foliage that has white undersides. Flowers are dark purple and tubular, and are held on stems that reach up to 16 inches tall when in bloom. These plants are native to moist areas in alpine climates in Bhutan, Tibet, and India and are suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.

Primula denticulata (Drumstick Primula, Drumstick Primrose, Ball Primrose, 球花报春)
These plants are native to alpine regions in China, Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. They reach up to 18 inches tall and just as wide, with rosettes of ovular leaves and sturdy stems bearing spherical umbels of purple flowers from late spring through early summertime. Blooms can also be lavender, pink, or white, depending on the cultivar. The plant's common name, Drumstick Primula, refers to the look of the flower head above its erect stem. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 2-9.

Primula elatior (Oxslip, True Oxslip, Great Cowslip)
These plants are native to nutrient-poor and calcium-rich, damp woods and meadows in Europe. They reach about a foot tall and 10 inches wide, and produce light yellow flowers in springtime. Blooms are held in clusters at stem tips. Leaves are green and form at the base of the plant. True Oxslip grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.

Primula florindae (Tibetan Cowslip, Giant Cowslip)
Best in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 or Sunset growing zones A2, A3, 3-6 and 15-17, and reaches 3 feet tall and over 2 feet wide. This is the most fragrant of all Primrose species and is native to southeastern Tibet. Flowers are yellow, bell shaped and carried in large clusters, blooming in late spring or summer. This species needs ample water and can grow in semi-boggy conditions. Hybrids have red, orange or yellow flowers. This species can be weedy or locally invasive in cool, wet climates.

Primula frondosa (Leafy Primrose, Bird's Eye Primrose)
This species is native to Balkans, and is found at high altitudes. Individual plants reach about 11 inches tall and 4 inches wide, and are short-lived perennials. Basal rosettes of foliage are green, and covered in a flour-like substance. Springtime blooming flowers are pink with prominent yellow eyes. These are commonly grown as garden ornamentals. Leafy Primrose is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 3-7.

Primula glutinosa (Sticky Primrose, Glutinous Primrose, Marsh Primrose, Primula Vischiosa)
These herbaceous perennial plants produce purple-blue flowers in late spring to early summertime and grow well in USDA hardiness zones 5-8. They are covered in glandular hairs that cause the plant's foliage to be sticky. The species is native to Austria, Bosnia, Italy, Switzerland and Slovenia. These are seldom grown in gardens due to the plant's need for heavy acidic soils and cool temperatures.

Primula hendersonii (Dodecatheon hendersonii) (Broad-Leaved Shooting Star, Henderson's Shooting Star, Mosquito Bills, Sailor Caps)
These plants are native to western areas of North America, from California up through British Colombia. These summer-deciduous plants die back to the ground after rains cease in late springtime. The species is highly variable and readily hybridizes with Primula clevelandii. Broad-Leaved Shooting Star is suited for USDA hardiness zones 5-9 or Sunset growing zones 7-24.

Primula japonica (Japanese Primrose, Japanese Cowslip, Queen of Primroses, Valley Red, Candelabra Primrose, Nine Wheels Grass, Pagoda Tree Weed, Kurinsō, クリンソウ, 九輪草)
Best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing zones A3, 2-6 and 15-17, this species grows to 2.5 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide, with light green leaves and spring or early summer flowers in purple with yellow eyes. They need ample water, to the point where they grow well at the edges of ponds and in shallow water. Varieties include 'Alba' (white flowers), 'Apple Blossom' (with light pink flowers that have red eyes), 'Postford White' (white with a red eye) and 'Miller's Crimson' (red blooms). This species is considered invasive in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern and Northwestern regions of the United States.

Primula juliae (Juliana Primrose, Julia's Primrose)
This species is best in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8 or Sunset growing zones 2-6, 14-17 and 20-23 and reaches 3-4 inches tall and 10 inches wide at maturity. Flowers are magenta with yellow eyes, and bloom one per stem in early springtime. Leaves are bright green and have scalloped to serrated edges. These are great for woodland and rock gardens. Cultivars include 'Wanda' (with magenta-purple blooms and deep bronze-green leaves), and 'Wanda Alba' (with white flowers).

Primula malacoides (Fairy Primrose, Baby Primrose)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8-10 or Sunset growing zones 8, 9 and 12-24, with evergreen foliage. It reaches 8-15 inches tall and 1 foot wide, and has tiered blossoms in the middle of winter through late spring. Flowers come in white, pink, rose, red, or lavender. These plants do well under tall-branching trees and in flower beds. Can tolerate light frost conditions. This species has naturalized in New Zealand and Zimbabwe but is not considered invasive.

Primula marginata (Silver-Edged Primrose, Primevère Marginée, Primevère Empourprée des Alpes, Primula Impolverata)
This species of evergreen to semi-evergreen flowering perennial produces lancet-shaped leaves that are leathery and have white edges. Flowers are slightly scented and lavender in color, blooming in umbels of up to 20 blossoms in late spring through early summertime. Individual plants reach up to 6 inches tall and a foot wide. Plants are native to the southwestern Alps in France and Italy and are suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 3-9. There are numerous garden ornamental cultivars that have been developed, including:

'Beamish'

'Pritchard's Variety'

'Linda Pope'

'Tony' ('Toni')

Primula minima (Fairy Primrose, European Alpine Primrose, Dwarf Primrose)
These small plants are native to the eastern Alps, Carpathians, and Balkan mountain ranges in Europe. The species is only occasionally available from commercial suppliers. Plants reach just a few inches tall and wide, producing green tufts of foliage and magenta flowers with deeply lobed petals. Fairy Primrose is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 3-7.

Primula obconica (Poison Primrose, German Primrose)
This species, best in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 or Sunset growing zones 4-9 and 14-24, reaches a foot tall and just as wide. Leaves are hairy and soft, and the hairs can irritate skin. This species produces large clusters of flowers in spring in colors like pink, salmon, red, lavender, white, or reddish purple. Good for beds where winters are mild. Varieties in the Freedom and Libre strains don't have the hairs on them that cause allergic reactions. This species is considered invasive in Florida, Louisiana, Washington, and Tennessee (United States).

Primula parryi (Parry's Primrose, Brook Primrose)
These erect plants are native to Montana, Arizona, and New Mexico, and prefer to grow at high altitudes in mountainous areas. They perform best in USDA hardiness zones 3-8. The plants have a skunky smell and produce magenta flowers with yellow eyes in summertime. The species is named for Charles Christopher Parry, who discovered the plant in 1861.

Primula x polyantha (Polyanthus Primrose, English Primrose, False Oxslip)
Best in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 or Sunset growing zones 1-24, this species reaches 8-12 inches tall and 9 inches wide, with green leaves that resemble Romaine lettuce. Can be evergreen or grown as an annual (a better choice for cold-winter climates). Has large clusters of flowers in winter and spring, available in many colors. Cultivars are outlined below:

Crescendo Strain
A strain that has large flowers in a variety of colors.

Pacific Giant Strain
A strain that has large flowers in a variety of colors.

'Gold Lace'
Flowers are mahogany and have yellow centers. Petals are edged in gold.

'Penumbra'
Deep red flowers with silver edged petals.

'Guinevere'
Foliage is bronzey and flowers are soft pink with yellow eyes.

Primula prolifera (Primula helodoxa) (Glory-of-the-Marsh, Glory-of-the-Bog, Golden Candelabra Primrose)
This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 or Sunset growing zones 4-6 and 15-17, It reaches 2-3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Leaves are evergreen and blossoms form in tiered clusters of light yellow, fragrant flowers that bloom in late spring or summer. Needs ample amounts of water to perform and bloom well.

Primula sieboldii (Primula patens) (Japanese Primrose, Siebold's Primrose, Cherry Blossom Primrose, Japanese Woodland Primrose, Snowflake, Geisha Girl, Madam Butterfly, Sakurasou, 桜草, さくらそう, Cuì Lán Cǎo, 翠蓝草)
Best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing zones A2, A3, 2-7 and 14-17; produces white, pink or purple flowers that have white eyes in clusters in springtime. Leaves will die back soon after flowers fade. The species is named for German physician Philipp Franz von Siebold, and is native to China, Japan, Korea, and Russia.

Primula sinensis (Primula praenitens) (Chinese Primrose, Florist's Primrose, Tibetan Primulalyse, Tibetan Spring-Report, Zàngbàochūn, 藏报春)
This species reaches 6-8 inches tall and wide. Evergreen with soft, hairy light green foliage that may irritate skin in allergic persons. Flowers bloom in winter and can be white, pink, lavender, red, or coral. Great as a potted plant; needs regular water. This species is native to China and is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

Primula x tommasinii (You and Me Primrose, Polyanthus Primrose, False Oxslip)
Best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing zones zones A3, 2-9 and 14-24, this species reaches 6-12 inches tall and a foot and a half wide. This species is a cross between Primula vulgaris and Primula veris. Leaves are green and flowers are fragrant, and appear to bloom out of each other. A popularly sold series is You and Me, which produces flowers in yellow, cream, maroon, red, rose, white, purple, apricot, and blue.

Primula veris (Cowslip, Common Cowslip, Cowslip Primrose, Peggle, Plumrocks, Palsywort, Buckles)
Best in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 or Sunset growing zones A3, 2-6 and 15-17, this species reaches 4-10 inches tall and 8 inches wide, with clustered bright yellow flowers that are fragrant and produced early in springtime. Will naturalize in favorable climates and is great in rock gardens and wild gardens.

Primula vialii (Primula littoniana) (Vial's Primrose, Wayside Primrose, Pagoda Primrose, Orchid Primrose, Poker Primrose, Red-Hot-Poker Primrose)
Best in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 4-6 and 15-17; to 1-2 feet tall and a foot wide. Leaves are hairy and fragrant flowers form in dense spikes in late spring or early summer. Blossoms are blue and open from red buds. Easy to grow from seed; needs regular to ample water.

Primula vulgaris (Primula acaulis) (Common Primrose, English Primrose, Primrose)
This species is best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing zones A3, 2-6, 14-17 and 21-24. It reaches 8 inches tall and spreads a foot wide. It is evergreen in mild climates and blooms in early spring in white, yellow, red, blue, brown, bronze or deep red. Great in woodland gardens and as edgings. Also does well in beds and containers. These plants are native to western and southern areas of Europe.

Caring for Primula

Plant Primrose in a space in the garden that receives full sun to partial shade. Morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal for these flowers; they do not like to be in direct sun during the warmest parts of the day. Some species, such as Primula vulgaris, do better in full shade; make sure to identify and research which species you have purchased to know its preferred exposure. Space plants between 6 and 12 inches apart for best coverage and airflow. These plants love well-draining, rich soil with a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, Primrose plants like a moist substrate, and some species (such as Primula japonica and Primula denticulata) can even handle somewhat soggy soils.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 1 inch of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Pruning Primrose plants is relatively straightforward: remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time, and deadhead flowers as they fade to clean up the appearance of the plant as well as to discourage reseeding. Over time, Primrose will form tight clumps that need dividing once performance declines (typically every few years). Otherwise, they like to be left in place. Dig and divide clumps right after blooms fade or in autumn. For instructions on how to successfully divide Primrose plants, see the Propagation section below. When cared for properly, Primrose plants can survive in the landscape for decades before needing to be replaced, and through division, they will provide new flowers for the landscape indefinitely.

Caring for Primula in Containers
Primula flowers are wonderful in the ground, but can also be grown in containers. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Primula plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.

Propagation

Primula, or Primrose, can be propagated by division or seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the division method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant, especially if you are propagating a hybrid cultivar. To propagate your Primrose, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Primula by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seed heads on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
Get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes between 21 and 30 days from sowing.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Primula by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in very early spring (after the plant has entered dormancy, but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every few years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the root(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots with your fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section attached.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout in the next growing season.

Primula seed pods swell and flatten after flowers finish blooming and can hold on average between 50 and 100 tiny seeds.

Primrose seeds are tiny, dust-like, brown and irregularly shaped.

Problems and Pests

Certain Primula species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Primula, or Primrose, plants can be susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape: