Primula vulgaris- English Primrose

The Primula vulgaris, also known as the common primrose or stemless primrose, is an adorable little cosmopolitan perennial full of charm and simplicity. It blooms early, in late winter or spring, displaying its round and naive flowers, white with a yellow centre. They release a subtle fragrance, hovering above beautiful, light green and fresh wavy foliage. Common in the countryside, this excellent garden plant is hardy and prolific, easy to combine with perennial borders or spring bulbs, and perfect in pots. It self-seeds and reseeds easily in ordinary soil, in full sun or partial shade.

The Primula vulgaris is an herbaceous perennial plant in the primrose family, native to temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. This plant is the origin of numerous highly coloured ornamental varieties. It grows in nature in moist meadows, on slopes, and even in deciduous woods. This plant, 15 cm (6in) in all directions, forms a semi-evergreen basal rosette composed of wavy, light green, oval and entire leaves with a velvety underside. Flowering occurs from March to May, sometimes as early as the end of February if the winter is mild. The 3 cm (1in) diameter flowers are white, with a more or less orange-yellow centre, with five petals. They are solitary, fragrant, and carried by long, velvety peduncles. The fruits are small oblong capsules embedded in the calyx.

The common primrose is versatile and very easy to grow. It deserves a place in every garden. Colourful, floriferous and fragrant, it marks the return of spring. In border plantings or pots on a balcony, these little plants are ideal companions for tulips and forget-me-nots. It is perfect in borders, low plantings under the canopy of deciduous trees, rockeries and lawns, and among snowdrops and violets. The leaves and flowers are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked.

Properties:

They are the same as the cowslip and the oxlip: the flowers are soothing, calming, and used in preparations. The leaves fight against the formation of bruises, and the whole plant (especially the root) has analgesic, anti-spasmodic, diuretic, and expectorant properties.