Primrose (Primula vulgaris) or it is sometimes known as Common Primrose or English Primrose is one of the earliest flowers to appear in the spring. The name Primrose is from the old french word “primerose” or the latin “prim rosa” which means first rose although it is not closely related to the rose family.
Primrose can grow to as tall as 30cm, with a rosette of leaves which are evergreen in their preferd conditions. The leaves themselvs are often between 5 – 25 cm long and 2 – 6 cm wide. The leaves are often wrinkly on a short leaf stem.
The flowers are typically a pale yellow colour, but they can also be white or pink and can be between 2 – 4 cm in diameter, and apear on short slender stems.
Height: 10 – 30cm
Flowering Time: March to May
Preferred Conditions: Primrose likes to grow in shady locations such as woodlands and north facing banks, but it prefers dampish and heavy clay soils.
