Native to temperate Europe and western Asia, this evergreen or semi evergreen herbaceous perennial is a member of the primrose family, Primulaceae, that also includes scarlet pimpernel. Plants form a 4″ tall basal rosette of oval to lance-shaped leaves. The leave are 3-6″ long, crinkled and have irregularly-toothed margins and soft-hairy undersides. Clusters of 1-30 nodding, yellow flowers appear on upright stems 6-8″ tall from mid to late spring. The flowers are funnel shaped, .5-.75″ long, and may be single or double. They have red spots on their petals and a fresh fragrance that attracts butterflies. Plants go dormant in hot weather. The genus name, Primula, is the diminutive form of the Latin word, primus, meaning first. The specific epithet, veris, is the Latin word meaning of spring so the whole botanical name, Primula veris, means little early one of spring referring to its diminutive size and bloom time.
Type: Evergreen or semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial
Bloom: Clusters of 1-30 bright golden yellow flowers are borne atop leafless stems in spring for several weeks.
Size: 6-12’ H x 16” W
Light: Part to almost full shade; can take sun in areas with cool summers if moisture requirements are met.
Soil: Humusy, consistently moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 3-8 (AHS zones 8-1)
Care: Do not allow soil to dry out.
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Reseeds readily; seeds have long ripening time and require cold stratification; division of rhizomes.
Companion plants: Wood forget-me-not, spring bulbs such as tulips and narcissus
Outstanding Selections: ‘Prinic’ (also called ‘Katy McSparron’).
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Karen Meyers