Primula veris
cowslip
This perennial is semi-evergreen so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: Full sun or partial shade
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Average
- Flowering period: April to May
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
From mid to late spring, scented, deep yellow flowers emerge from rosettes of mid-green leaves and hang in delicate clusters on erect stems. With the reduction of old pastureland colonies of this lovely once-common native wildflower are decreasing. Cowslips are perfect for a wildflower garden on moist soil, so why not help to reverse this trend?
Generally, problem-free but do ensure that the ground remains moist, especially where the plant is growing in full sun.
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. Most seeds should germinate within 6 weeks, but as they need cold and wet conditions prior to germination, some may lie dormant for up to 2 years before they start to sprout. Therefore, once the first seedlings have been thinned out and grown on, tuck the seed tray in a shady corner and see what happens.