Wildflowers
Primula veris - Cowslip
Cowslip
This native perennial was once widespread in moist, grassy meadowlands. Happily self-seeding once established, the scented tubular flowers gently nod on top of short, woolly stems. Produces rosettes of heavily-veined evergreen foliage. Naturalises very well on sunny banks of moisture-retentive soil. Attractive to bees.
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Position
- Full Sun to Partial Sun
- Height
- 25cm
- Spread
- 25cm
Growing calendar
Sowing & growing
Sow under glass March-June, or in a cold frame Sep-Nov. Seeds require cold spells to germinate, so if they do not appear in by mid-spring, place the seed tray in a shaded corner and wait – they can appear a year later. Transplant seedlings into pots when they are large enough to handle, and acclimatise before planting out.
Aftercare
Cut back spent flowers stems. May self-seed, so deadhead if you don't want it to spread around the garden. Can be lifted and divided once established.
Gallery
Ref. SEC032