Primula veris (Cowslip) – Fragrant Hardy Perennial (Set of 3 or 6)

Primula veris, the cowslip, carries nodding clusters of sweetly scented yellow flowers on upright stems in spring, and is one of our best loved native wildflowers.

This is the cowslip rather than a bedding primrose or a drumstick primula, so it is a grassland plant: it prefers well drained soil and more sun than its relatives, and it is the one primula in the range with a real scent. It makes a compact rosette of crinkled mid green leaves, 15 to 25cm tall and about as wide, and suits borders, rockeries, wildflower areas, cottage planting and containers. It holds an RHS Award of Garden Merit for its garden performance.

Fully hardy and undemanding, it naturalises freely once settled and comes back reliably year after year. Water it after planting until it takes hold, and space plants about 20 to 25cm apart. Supplied as well established 1L rootballs. The spring flowers are an important early nectar source for bees and butterflies. All primulas can cause stomach upset if eaten and skin irritation on handling.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Cowslip
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 15 to 25cm tall and 15 to 25cm across
• Growth Habit: Compact, clump forming rosette
• Perfect For: Borders, rockeries, wildflower areas, cottage planting and containers
• Foliage: Mid green, crinkled, oval leaves in a basal rosette
• Flowering Time: Spring, typically April to May
• Planting Position: Full sun or partial shade, and good in containers
• Soil Type: Well drained soil, tolerating most types including alkaline
• Hardiness: Fully hardy, RHS H7
• Maintenance: Low. Water after planting and leave it to naturalise
• Seasonal Interest: Spring
• Type: Hardy herbaceous perennial