RHS Plants
RHS Plants

Shop

Information & Help

My account

Primula vulgaris

primrose

RHS award of garden merit Perfect for pollinators
Product Image
Our native primrose is held in deep affection, partly because it's one of the first spring flowers. From early March to May clusters of pale lemon, often fragrant flowers with centres the colour of egg yolk, appear among rosettes of large, deeply-veined, bright-green leaves.

Primula vulgaris looks espacially lovely in a naturalised woodland setting, but they're suitable for most shady garden sites. Plant them en masse and allow them to naturalise as they would in the wild, among ferns and other woodland plants.

How to care for Primula vulgaris:

Plant out in a partially shaded and sheltered position, adding plenty of leaf mould and compost to the planting hole and backfill. Improve drainage in heavier soils by incorporating grit or sand, to avoid the plant sitting in waterlogged conditions, especially in winter.

Water well until established, and keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season, as this primula prefers damp, humus-rich conditions. Apply a mulch of leaf mould or compost in autumn to help retain moisture and protect the crown in winter.

Divide large clumps in late spring or early summer after the plant has flowered, preferably during a wet spell.

Sowing instructions:

Sow on the surface of good seed compost and gently firm them in before watering. Place in a cold frame and transplant individually into small pots when large enough to handle. Keep moist but not wet and grow on in a cool environment before hardening off and planting out in the garden.
Flowering period:
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Eventual height:
0.2m
Eventual spread:
0.35m
Position:

Light shade

Rate of growth:

Average

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

Product options

1
Buy Now
Delivery options (pick your preferred option at checkout)
Seed Packets (only)£2.99
Named Day Delivery£10.99

Goes well with
Add to wishlist

Pinpoint rotational planter for young plants/bulbs - Crocus by DeWit

From £49.99
View options
Add to wishlist

Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata'

daphne

From £29.99
View options
Add to wishlist

Terracotta grow pots - set of 18 with tray

£39.99
View details
Become an RHS Member today and save 25% on your first year
Join now

Keep in touch

View our Privacy Policy
Contact us
Cookies
Terms
Privacy

© RHS Enterprises Limited 2026
Registered in England & Wales No. 01211648. | VAT No. GB461532757 | Registered Office: 80 Vincent Square, London, SW1P 2PE.

All sales help fund the charitable work of the RHS.