Primrose - Primula vulgaris - €5 per plant

 Primroses mark the coming of spring and do it with such gentle charm and beauty. They are woodland flowers, loving cool, damp banks and glades, and thriving in coppice woodland where they can form a stunningly attractive carpet. They like wet soil best, with lots of shade in the summer. The drier and hotter the climate, the more they need shade, and heavy soil that will hold moisture is ideal.  Summer drought is not a big problem as long as they get plenty of moisture in autumn and the first part of the year. They are the perfect choice for a sunny edge of a woodland garden. To order this plant please contact us [email protected]. 

Context

  • native region: Western Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia.
  • native habitat: Woods and hedgerows
  • family: Primulaceae

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun, partial shade
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral, alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 - 9a 
  • Can tolerate maritime exposure
  • ​It prefers moist soil​


Predators and Pests


  • Aphids, caterpillars and weevils

Overview

  • 10cm x 12cm plant bag
  • Semi evergreen perennial growing to 0.3 m by 0.3 m at a medium rate
  • It is in flower from Dec to May
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by bees and flies. The plant is self-fertile. 
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soils.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.
  • It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. 

Characteristics

  • form: Perennial
  • layer: Ground Layer
  • habit: spreading
  • height x width (m): 0.3 x 0.3  

Products 

  • Flowers: Custers of fragrant, long-stalked usually pale yellow flowers marking the coming of spring with their early flowering date. They are edible and make an attractive garnish to salads.​
  • Medicinal: Primroses have a very long history of medicinal use and has been particularly employed in treating conditions involving spasms, cramps, paralysis and rheumatic pains

Functions, behaviours

  • Good ground cover in shady locations and under woody plants.
  • Primroses like wet soil best, with shade in the summer. 
  • Plants are best spaced about 35cm apart each way
  • Add plenty of organic material to help conserve moisture for the roots.​

Polyculture Partners - plants that should grow well with Primula vulgaris

Picture

    If you would like more information about this polyculture click to here to move over to our blog article. 
    If you would like this plant send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
    Balkan Ecology Project