Scientific Name
Primula elatior (L.) Hill
Common Name(s)
Oxlip, True Oxlip, Great Cowslip, Bardfield Oxlip
Synonym(s)
Primula elatior subsp. elatior, Primula veris var. elatior
Scientific Classification
Family: Primulaceae
Subfamily: Primuloideae
Genus: Primula
Origin
Primula elatior is native to nutrient-poor and calcium-rich damp woods and meadows throughout Europe, with northern borders in Denmark and southern parts of Sweden, eastwards to the Altai Mountains, and on the Kola Peninsula in Russia. In the British Isles, it is rarely seen outside East Anglia.
Flower
Color: Light yellow
Bloom Time: Spring
Description
Primula elatior is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and up to 10 inches (25 cm) wide. It forms rosettes of green, up to 6 inches (15 cm) long and up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) wide leaves.
The flowers are light yellow and appear in spring in clusters of 10 to 30 together on a single, up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall stem.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 3a to 7b: from −40 °F (−40 °C) to 10 °F (−12.2 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Potted indoor Primulas are a delightful way to usher out winter or welcome in the spring. They are available in a wide range of striking colors, forming a mass of flowers. Most people prefer the taller, upright delicate Primulas indoors, but even a pot of common Primula is a nice addition. Extend the flowering season by pinching off dying buds. After the plant has done blooming, consider moving it outside. While inside, do not overwater; wilting even though the plant is getting water is a sign of root rot.
It's unlikely you'll be repotting your potted Primula. If you do, make sure not to bury them too deep—burying too deep is a prime reason Primula plants succumb. Bury the plants so the top of the root ball is slightly elevated above the level of the surrounding soil. Never pile soil up around the stem of a flowering plant.
They are propagated from seeds, which are sown directly in soil or potting media. Most pots of indoor Primula are purchased as flowering plants, destined to be set atop a desk, sill, or table until they're done flowering.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Primula.
Cultivars
Links
- Back to genus Primula
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
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