Primrose: Planting, Growing, Care and Companion Planting

Botany

The Primrose is a perennial plant belonging to the Primulaceae family – it even gave its name to the family: Primula. This large family includes around 1,000 species of herbaceous plants, including Cyclamen and Loosestrife.

There are nearly 400 species of Primroses! They are widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, with a major diversity centre in Asia. Indeed, nearly half the species originate from the Himalayas: no surprise then that they are quite hardy in our climates. Three species are common in France, which you certainly know. These are Primula veris (Cowslip), Primula vulgaris and Primula elatior.

The flowering of the Primrose often signals the end of winter and the beginning of fairer days. Even its name tells us this: Primrose comes from the Latin primo: first, and vere: spring, meaning it’s one of the first plants to flower in spring. Be careful not to confuse it with the Cape Primrose (Streptocarpus saxorum), whose name is misleading as it has absolutely nothing in common!

Although perennial, the Primrose is often grown as a biennial plant and removed after flowering. Yet it deserves to be left longer in the garden! So once the flowers have faded, leave it in place and it will flower again each year. However, the flowers of horticultural varieties may become paler and less colourful over time.

The uses of Primulas are varied: some species will thrive at pond edges, others in rockeries or indoors. They can be planted in bowls, planters or wide pots.

Primroses are generally rather low-growing plants, rarely exceeding 20 to 30 cm in height. But some species grow much taller. Thus, the Asian Primroses or Candelabra Primroses bear large flower spikes that can reach 1.20 m in height.

Primula officinalis – Atlas des Plantes de France – 1891

The flowers begin to appear very early in spring, sometimes even at the end of winter. The most common (Primula acaulis) flower from February. The Asian species flower a little later, in early summer. If it doesn’t suffer from summer drought, Primula acaulis may flower again in autumn.

Primrose blooms are very varied, both in form and colour. The flowers are often large and rounded, with five petals, or more if they are double-flowered varieties. They are borne on tall stems or remain at ground level. Horticultural varieties combine very vivid colours. They can thus be yellow, red, blue, violet, pink or white, often with a yellow centre.

Although Primroses are rather classic flowering plants, some species display a certain originality! Among them, let’s mention Primula ‘Zebra Blue’ with its astonishing blue and white striped flowers. Primula vialii, on the other hand, stands out with its violet and red spikes, giving it a slightly exotic look. There are also many double-flowered varieties, including Primula ‘Elizabeth Killelay’ which strangely combines red and white.

Primroses have rather ordinary leaves, they are entire and form a rosette at ground level. Their veins are often very pronounced, giving them a wrinkled appearance. Most species have evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage. It is deciduous in Primula japonica, Primula denticulata and Primula vialii.

To better navigate the many varieties, Primroses are divided into three main groups:

• Auricula: they have evergreen, smooth leaves, often whitish and mealy. The flowers are very colourful and contrasted. They can be grown in rockeries.

• Candelabra: Candelabra Primroses bear tall flower spikes, with tiered flowering. They thrive in shade and moist soil. Ideally, plant them near a pond. Their foliage is deciduous or semi-evergreen. This category includes Primula bulleyana and Primula japonica.

• Polyanthus: this is a very important group with a great diversity of flowers. It includes Primula acaulis, the most common Primroses in cultivation.

The Different Species of Primroses

Primroses comprise nearly 400 species. Many varieties with original and highly colourful flowers have been created from Primula vulgaris and Primula auricula. The botanical species also have great ornamental value.

• Primula elatior

This is the Oxlip, a small species quite common in France in woods and meadows, in damp and shady areas. It bears delicate pale yellow flowers. Be careful not to confuse it with the Cowslip, as they resemble each other, but the Oxlip is taller and its flowers are paler.

Oxlip – Primula eliator

• Primula vulgaris

Also called Primula acaulis, the Common Primrose, which means “stemless“. Indeed, its flowers are situated directly at the level of the leaf rosette, making it much shorter than other species like the Oxlip or Cowslip. This is the Garden Primrose, the most commonly cultivated species. The flowers of the type species are pale yellow and bloom from February. If the soil remains moist in summer, they may flower again in autumn. Horticultural varieties come in much brighter colours: blue, pink, purple, yellow or red! But they always have a yellow centre to the petals. There are also original varieties with striped or double flowers, like the Primula vulgaris Belarina.

Garden Primrose – Primula vulgaris

• Primula veris

This is the well-known Cowslip, often called Paigle. It is frequently encountered during woodland walks, along paths. It is quite common throughout France and bears clusters of charming bright yellow flowers. There are some varieties with red or orange flowers, like the Primula veris ‘Sunset Shades’.

Cowslip or “Paigle” – Primula veris

• Primula auricula

Called “Bear’s Ear“, this Auricula Primrose offers a magnificent yellow, fragrant bloom in spring. It is a small, rather low-growing plant. Its leaves are rounded and sometimes mealy white. It originates from mountainous regions of Europe.

It has long attracted the interest of horticulturists and collectors, who have created numerous varieties. Most of them are two-coloured, or even three-coloured. They are highly contrasted as the outside of the petals is coloured (purple, red… and sometimes even green!), with a yellow or white circle at the centre. The delineation and contrast of colours is striking. You may love it or hate it, but it certainly makes an impression.

Primula auricula ‘Argus’

• Primula vialii

Known as the Orchid Primrose, as it thrives in damp, even marshy environments. Plant it by a pond or at the edge of woodland, but always in moist soil. It is very unusual. Its surprising purple and red elongated spike-like flowers give it a slightly exotic appearance. It is taller than most primroses.

Orchid Primrose – Primul vialii – Photo Credit: PAP

• Primula denticulata

Easy to grow, the Drumstick Primrose will charm you with its beautiful flower pom-poms, somewhat reminiscent of Allium blooms. Its rounded flowers are borne on tall stems, giving the plant a very elegant appearance. They come in white, blue, purple or pink shades. It is very robust, and its foliage is deciduous.

Drumstick Primrose – Primula denticulata – Photo: A. Karwath

• Primula bulleyana

This Candelabra Primrose comes from China. It bears long upright stems with several tiers of very bright, golden orange flowers. This gives it a natural and airy appearance. Its foliage is deciduous. Plant it in rich, moist, even wet soil, in partial shade.

Candelabra Primrose bulleyana

• Primula sieboldii

Also known as Siebold’s Primrose or sakurasô, this is a small primrose native to Siberia, Manchuria, Korea and Japan, where it has been highly prized since the 17^th century. It bears a remarkable bloom in pure white, mauve, pale pink or deeper shades. Its petals, sometimes finely cut like lace, make it very delicate and elegant! Its leaves are deciduous. Plant it in moist soil and partial shade.

Siebold’s Primrose – Primula sieboldii – Photo: Juni from Tokyo

The varieties

Our Favourite Varieties

Other Varieties

Primula secundiflora - Primrose

A must-see! An interesting species with its very delicate summer flowering in reddish-purple or violet hues. Small tubular flowers that tilt towards the ground. One of the tallest species.

• Flowering time July, August
• Height at maturity 80 cm

See the product sheet

Primula japonica Alba - Japanese Primrose

Candelabra primrose, particularly robust and quite tall. Pure white blooms with a yellow eye. Thrives in moist soils and shady locations.

• Flowering time June to August
• Height at maturity 60 cm

See the product sheet

Primula japonica Millers Crimson - Japanese Primrose

Candelabra primrose with intense pink, almost red blooms. A robust and tall variety. Perfect near a pond or at the edge of woodland.

• Flowering time June to August
• Height at maturity 60 cm

See the product sheet

Primula pulverulenta - Mealy Primrose

Candelabra primrose with purple blooms. Deciduous foliage. Prefers damp soils.

• Flowering time July, August
• Height at maturity 60 cm

See the product sheet

Primula denticulata Rubin - Primrose

Globular ruby-red blooms. Deciduous foliage.

• Flowering time April to June
• Height at maturity 40 cm

See the product sheet

Primula denticulata Alba - Primrose

Globular white blooms. Deciduous foliage.

• Flowering time April to June
• Height at maturity 35 cm

See the product sheet

Primula vulgaris Belarina Cobalt Blue- English Primrose

Notable for its intense blue blooms.

• Flowering time February to May
• Height at maturity 15 cm

See the product sheet

Primula x hybrida Elizabeth Killelay

Highly original blooms! Red petals edged with white.

• Flowering time April to June
• Height at maturity 15 cm

See the product sheet

Primula juliae Wanda - Primrose

A small carpeting primrose with purple flowers. Ideal for rock gardens.

• Flowering time April to August
• Height at maturity 10 cm

See the product sheet

 

To choose your primroses wisely, follow our advice: “Primroses: Which Variety to Choose”

Planting

Where to plant?

Grow your Primroses in cool but well-drained soil, rich in humus and organic matter. They dislike compacted, waterlogged or overly dry soils in winter. If your soil is heavy, add coarse sand or gravel to improve drainage. They prefer neutral to acidic soils, though the Common Primrose (Primula officinalis) tolerates chalky conditions.

Avoid full sun! Plant them in partial shade instead – they’re perfect for adding colour beneath trees or at woodland edges. However, Primula denticulata thrives in sunnier spots.

Some varieties flourish near pond margins, such as Primula florindae, Primula vialii or Primula bulleyana. These Asian Primroses particularly love moist soil! As for Primula auricula, plant it in a rockery or container.

Learn more: Growing Primula auricula in pots.

The Auricula Theatre: a charming way to display a Primrose collection – Photo: tpholland

When to plant?

Plant Primroses preferably in autumn, during October or November. Planting can continue until March.

How to plant?

For vibrant clumps of colour, we recommend planting in groups of three to five of the same variety. Avoid overcrowding – their vivid blooms may become overwhelming.

Soak the root ball in a bucket of water to help the plant establish. Meanwhile, prepare the soil by digging with a spade, breaking up clumps and removing large stones. Add compost or well-rotted manure to encourage growth and flowering. For heavy soils, mix in gravel or coarse sand to improve drainage. Dig a hole and position the root ball. Backfill, gently firming the soil with your hands. Water thoroughly.

Once established, Primroses can thrive for up to ten years if disease-free. However, cultivated varieties often lose their vibrancy over time.

Maintenance

We recommend wearing gloves when handling Primroses: they contain primin, a substance that may cause allergic reactions in some people.

Primroses are fairly easy to care for. Apply some fertiliser in late winter to encourage flowering. Horticultural varieties, especially double-flowered ones, require more fertiliser and watering. Regularly remove faded flowers. Divide your Primrose plants every three years to give them more space and prevent exhaustion.

Water once or twice a week if growing Primroses in pots, containers, or indoors. We also suggest watering those grown outdoors, particularly during prolonged dry spells. Ensure the soil remains moist while avoiding overwatering, which could lead to root and crown rot. Consider mulching with a layer of leaves to help retain soil moisture.

Primrose leaves are sometimes nibbled by snails and slugs! Birds also enjoy their sweet-nectared flowers. Primroses can also be susceptible to red spider mites and aphids.

Propagation of Primroses

You can propagate your Primroses by sowing seeds or by dividing clumps, but we recommend the latter technique as it is easier to carry out and quicker than sowing. However, bear in mind that some Primroses tend to self-seed and can naturalise in the garden!

Sowing

Sow under cover in early spring, during March or April. Sowing is a little tricky, but you’ll manage by following a few simple rules.

Primroses need a cold period to break dormancy and germinate. Place your seeds in the fridge for a week. Similarly, if you don’t wish to sow them straight away, store them in the fridge to prevent them from drying out.

Mix the compost with a little sand to create an aerated substrate. It should also be low in nutrients – preferably choose a compost without added fertiliser.

Take a seed tray and place a layer of gravel or pot shards at the bottom to aid drainage. Fill the tray with substrate and firm it down. Sow the seeds, but don’t cover them! Gently firm them in and then water with a fine spray (you can use a mister). Place the tray in a bright, cool spot at a temperature between 10 and 15°C (it should never exceed 20°C). Ideally, place it outdoors in the shade.

The following month, once they have several leaves, you can prick out the young seedlings into pots. Handle them carefully to avoid damaging their roots. You can plant them in the garden in autumn, from September onwards. Ensure the soil remains moist during these operations by watering regularly.

Primroses won’t flower in the year they are sown – you’ll need to wait a year!

Dividing clumps

Divide your Primroses in autumn, from September or October, once the Asian species have finished flowering. Division is possible until March. We recommend dividing clumps every three years to give your Primroses more vigour.

Carefully dig up the plant. Remove excess soil by shaking the root ball. Divide it by separating the roots. Trim the longest roots and a few leaves to balance the plant and encourage new leaf and root growth. Replant in a new location and water generously.

→ Learn more in our tutorial: How to divide Primroses?

Pairing Primroses in the Garden

With their highly varied blooms, Primroses offer endless combination possibilities! Their vibrant colours bring great dynamism to the garden, though they can sometimes feel overwhelming and dominate a space. Use them sparingly, in small clusters, and pair them with plants bearing softer blooms or ornamental foliage such as grasses, ferns, and heucheras.

Asian Primroses fit beautifully into naturalistic borders. They work wonderfully for embellishing the edges of water features. Native species like Primula veris or Primula acaulis also integrate seamlessly into wild and natural gardens, adding a welcome splash of colour in spring.

Acaulis Primroses and Muscari: a very natural pairing

They thrive in partial shade, making them ideal for woodland edges, alongside epimediums, persicarias, or ferns. Alpine species like Primula auricula or Primula marginata are perfect for rock gardens, preferring well-drained soils. Plant them alongside saxifrages, stemless gentians, or carex.

Japan: Japanese Primroses (Primula japonica) in Nikkō (Japan) – Source: Wikipedia

Discover even more ideas in our companion planting guide : “Primroses – 7 Garden Pairing Ideas”