Giant Himalayan cowslip Primula florindae
Giant Himalayan cowslip (Primula florindae) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Primulaceae family, native to SE Tibet (stream sides and marshes, 2,800–4,000 m). It grows 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) tall and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 45 cm (18 in) apart.
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Giant Himalayan cowslip at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Spacing | 45 cm (18 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance high |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 26 °C (79 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | SE Tibet (stream sides and marshes, 2,800–4,000 m) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇨🇳 China |
Is Giant Himalayan cowslip toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves
Primula leaves can irritate skin.
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 Giant Himalayan cowslip
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
See Giant Himalayan cowslip in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley (8 plants)
- Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden (38 plants)
Questions about Giant Himalayan cowslip
- How far apart should I plant Giant Himalayan cowslip?
- About 45 cm (18 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–60 cm (16–24 in).
- Does Giant Himalayan cowslip need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Giant Himalayan cowslip need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance high.
- How cold-hardy is Giant Himalayan cowslip?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Giant Himalayan cowslip flower?
- From about June for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Giant Himalayan 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.
- What grows well with Giant Himalayan cowslip?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Giant Himalayan cowslip. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden, Tromsø, The Arctic University Museum of Norway (UiT)
Notes and assumptions
- Bog and streamside plant; tall stems of fragrant, nodding yellow bells in July. The Tromsø garden grows many Himalayan primulas.
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
- Cowslip Primula veris
- Florist’s cyclamen Cyclamen persicum
- Coral ardisia (manryō) Ardisia crenata
- Japanese primrose (kurinsō) Primula japonica