Himalayan cowslip (Sikkim primrose) Primula sikkimensis
Himalayan cowslip (Sikkim primrose) (Primula sikkimensis) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Primulaceae family, native to Himalaya (Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan) to Tibet and south-west China. It grows 50–90 cm (20–35 in) tall and 25–40 cm (10–16 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Himalayan cowslip (Sikkim primrose) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Mature height | 50–90 cm (20–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 25–40 cm (10–16 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 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 moderate |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 26 °C (79 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Himalaya (Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan) to Tibet and south-west China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇮🇳 India |
Is Himalayan cowslip (Sikkim primrose) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves
Some primulas irritate the skin of sensitive people; eating them may cause mild stomach upset in pets.
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 Himalayan cowslip (Sikkim primrose)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Questions about Himalayan cowslip (Sikkim primrose)
- How far apart should I plant Himalayan cowslip (Sikkim primrose)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 25–40 cm (10–16 in).
- Does Himalayan cowslip (Sikkim primrose) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Himalayan cowslip (Sikkim primrose) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Himalayan cowslip (Sikkim primrose)?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Himalayan cowslip (Sikkim primrose) flower?
- From about May for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Himalayan cowslip (Sikkim primrose) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Some primulas irritate the skin of sensitive people; eating them may cause mild stomach upset in pets.
- What grows well with Himalayan cowslip (Sikkim primrose)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Himalayan cowslip (Sikkim primrose). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora of Nepal (online flora and checklist), Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh with Nepalese and international partners
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A plant of the cool, misty Himalayan and west Chinese mountains: it wants moist, humus-rich soil and shelter from hot sun and drying wind, and sulks in hot, humid summers.
- Tall stems topped with drooping clusters of fragrant, pale yellow bells, powdered with white meal, in early summer. In the wild it carpets wet alpine meadows; in gardens it wants a bog or damp border. Introduced by Joseph Hooker from Sikkim about 1850.
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
- Giant Himalayan cowslip Primula florindae
- Florist’s cyclamen Cyclamen persicum
- Coral ardisia (manryō) Ardisia crenata