Cowslip Primula veris
Cowslip (Primula veris) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Primulaceae family, native to Europe and western Asia (meadows and chalk grassland). It grows 15–25 cm (6–10 in) tall and 15–25 cm (6–10 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
Plan Cowslip in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Cowslip at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Mature height | 15–25 cm (6–10 in) |
| Mature spread | 15–25 cm (6–10 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: flowers (traditionally cowslip wine) |
| Native to | Europe and western Asia (meadows and chalk grassland) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France |
Is Cowslip toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves
Primula leaves can irritate skin and upset the stomach in quantity.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Cowslip
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Cowslip in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Kew: glasshouses and rock garden (30 plants)
Questions about Cowslip
- How far apart should I plant Cowslip?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–25 cm (6–10 in).
- Does Cowslip need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Cowslip need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Cowslip?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Cowslip flower?
- From about April for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Cowslip poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Primula leaves can irritate skin and upset the stomach in quantity.
- What grows well with Cowslip?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Cowslip. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Wildflowers and meadows, Plantlife (UK)
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Nodding clusters of fragrant yellow flowers in April meadows.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Primrose Primula vulgaris
- Ivy-leaved cyclamen Cyclamen hederifolium
- Creeping Jenny Lysimachia nummularia
- Auricula Primula auricula
- Giant Himalayan cowslip Primula florindae
- Florist’s cyclamen Cyclamen persicum
- Coral ardisia (manryō) Ardisia crenata
- Japanese primrose (kurinsō) Primula japonica