Primrose Primula vulgaris
Primrose (Primula vulgaris) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Primulaceae family, native to Western and southern Europe and the Mediterranean. It grows 10–20 cm (4–8 in) tall and 20–30 cm (8–12 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 25 cm (10 in) apart.
Plan Primrose in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Primrose at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 cm (4–8 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–30 cm (8–12 in) |
| Spacing | 25 cm (10 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 24 °C (75 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: flowers, young leaves |
| Native to | Western and southern Europe and the Mediterranean |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇪 Ireland |
Is Primrose toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: leaves, sap
Primula vulgaris is low in toxicity, but the leaf hairs and sap of some Primula species can cause skin irritation and mild stomach upset.
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 Primrose
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
See Primrose in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Kew: glasshouses and rock garden (18 plants)
Questions about Primrose
- How far apart should I plant Primrose?
- About 25 cm (10 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–30 cm (8–12 in).
- Does Primrose need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Primrose need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Primrose?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Primrose flower?
- From about March for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Primrose poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Primula vulgaris is low in toxicity, but the leaf hairs and sap of some Primula species can cause skin irritation and mild stomach upset.
- What grows well with Primrose?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Primrose. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Semi-evergreen; prefers cool, moist, humus-rich soil and struggles in hot summers.
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
- 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
- Japanese primrose (kurinsō) Primula japonica