Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry to the touch.
Avoid letting the plant dry out completely, especially during warmer months or when in bloom, as this can stress the plant.
Also known as British Primrose · Butter Rose · Common Primrose
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Primrose (Primula vulgaris) is a charming spring-blooming perennial native to Europe, known for its cheerful yellow flowers and basal rosette of wrinkled leaves. It thriv
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial shade
50% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect light. Protect from intense afternoon sun, which can scorch leaves.
Consistent moisture
50% intensity
Maintain evenly moist soil, allowing the top layer to dry slightly between waterings.
Well-drained, humus-rich
50% intensity
Cool to moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in cooler temperatures, ideally between 10-18°C. Protect from extreme heat and frost.
Moderate feeding
50% intensity
Feed lightly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Mildly toxic, can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry to the touch.
Avoid letting the plant dry out completely, especially during warmer months or when in bloom, as this can stress the plant.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms and prevent seed formation. Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves as they appear. Minimal pruning is otherwise required for Primula vulgaris.
Primroses can be propagated by seed sown in late summer or early autumn, or by division of established clumps in early spring or autumn. Division is often the easiest method for home gardeners.
Repot young plants annually in spring into slightly larger pots. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years or when they become root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Primrose (Primula vulgaris)
Where Primrose (Primula vulgaris) is found
Density
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10 known issues from plant disease data
Botrytis blight on Primulas causes soft brown rot on flowers and leaves, often with gray fuzzy mold that quickly ruins blooms.
Pythium root rot in Primulas causes water-soaked roots, sudden wilting, yellowing leaves, and collapse even when soil stays moist.
Phytophthora root rot in Primulas causes dark rotted roots, crown decline, leaf yellowing, and rapid wilt that can kill whole plants.
Rhizoctonia root and crown rot in Primulas causes brown sunken decay at the soil line, root loss, wilting, and plant collapse.
Ramularia leaf spot on Primulas causes small brown to tan spots on leaves that enlarge, dry out tissue, and spoil plant appearance.
Bacterial leaf spot on Primulas causes dark water-soaked leaf spots that may spread quickly, merge, and leave foliage blighted.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Genus | Primula |
| Species | Primula vulgaris |
Similar in genus Primula
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
