Primula veris (26/05/2013, Cerne Abbas, Dorset)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Late spring to early summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 25cm
Eventual Spread: 25cm
Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Family: Primulaceae
Primula veris is a spring flowering semi-evergreen, low growing herbaceous perennial. Its mid green leaves are elliptic with irregularly dentate margins, tapering at the base, up to 15cm long, 6cm broad and arranged in a rosettes. Its bright yellow flowers are bell shaped, up to 15mm across, appear in clusters of up to 30.
Primula veris Flower (26/05/2013, Cerne Abbas, Dorset)
Primula veris, commonly known as the Cowslip or Common Cowslip, is native to most of temperate Europe (including the UK) and Asia. In its native habitat it grows in open fields, woodland edges and clifftops.
The etymological root of the binomial name Primula is from the Latin name for the Primrose. Veris is from the Latin meaning ‘spring’.
The landscape architect may find Primula veris useful as part of a native wild flower meadow.
Ecologically, Primula veris is attractive to pollinating insects.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given Primula veris their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Primula veris Leaf (26/05/2013, Cerne Abbas, Dorset)
Primula veris prefers moist, well drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will tolerate chalky soils.
Primula veris requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in autumn or spring.
