Primula vulgaris
ENGLISH PRIMROSE, COMMON PRIMROSE
syn. Primula acaulis
Family: Primulaceae
Pronounced: PRIM-yew-la vul-GAH-ris

Quick Jumps
Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes
GROWING GUIDE

Origin:
Western and Southern Europe, Asia Minor, North Africa.
Plant group:
Perennials
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: A3, 2-6, 14-17, 21-24.
USDA zones: 4-8.
Heat zones: 8-1.
Mature size:
Height: 8 inches (20 cm).
Width: 14 inches (35 cm).
Flowering period:
Late winter to early spring.
Flowering attributes:
Pale yellow to creamy-white, salverform flowers in clusters of 3 to 25 flowers.
Leaf attributes:
Deeply veined, scalloped, evergreen, bright green leaves.
Growth habit:
Rosette-forming.
Light:
Partial to light shade.
Soil:
Humus rich, well-drained soil, with a neutral ph.
Feeding:
In spring side dress with compost or other soil amendments and a complete organic fertilizer.
Propagation methods:
Sow seed as soon as ripe or late winter to early spring.
Divide after plants are finished flowering in spring.
Pests and Diseases:
Slugs can be a problem on newly set plants, but do very little damage on established plants.
Pruning Methods:
Deadhead flowers to extend the bloom period.
Rainy Side Notes

Primula vulgaris may be a common species, but they are sweet little perennials for the late winter to early spring garden. Don't let their sweet looks fool you; they are tough plants. Their cheery flowers brave the cold and are a welcome relief from the rainy doldrums that plague our late winter and spring gardens. Although most common primroses are creamy-white to pale yellow—as shown in the images on this page—pink, white, and even purple forms are found growing in the wild.
At one time, these primroses were abundant in woodlands throughout Europe. Often dug up and sold in street markets in Britain, they steadily declined in the wild until 1975, when taking the plants from the wild was banned. With replanting efforts and protection, the plants are abundant and flourishing in their native homelands again.
This species adapts easily to our Northwest climate, providing you keep their soil moist and rich in humus during our extended summer drought. Although they will go dormant during hot, dry summers, the little perennial sprouts new leaves once the autumn rains return. Add lime to neutralize our normally acidic soil. Divide every few years to increase your stock and keep plants healthy.
The seeds have a gelatinous outgrowth called elaiosome, which is a fleshy structure attached to the seeds. Ants are attracted to the seeds and carry them to their nests. It’s not unusual to find primrose seedlings around old ant nests.
Ethnobotany
In folk medicines on the British Isles, the plants were used as an ointment for cuts, bruises, and chapped skin. They combined the plant with bramble tops to heal spots and sores on the face, and for getting rid of ringworm. Leaves were applied to boils. Other folk remedies include eating leaves for arthritis, a primrose snuff for migraines, drinking primrose juice for laryngitis and treatment for madness, and a decoction of leaves to help with dementia. The Irish made a primrose salve in combination with other herbs for burns. Toothaches were treated by rubbing the leaves on the affected teeth for two minutes. Insomnia remedy tea was made from primroses and cowslips (Primula veris).

Debbie Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.

Gardening for the Homebrewer: Grow and Process Plants for Making Beer, Wine, Gruit, Cider, Perry, and More
By co-authors Debbie Teashon (Rainy Side Gardeners) and Wendy Tweton
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