Primrose
Primula vulgaris
Also called Common primrose, Polyanthus and English primrose
Garden plant · BeddingTHE FLOWERS SIT DOWN IN THE LEAVES, one to a stalk, straight out of the crown — that is the wild primrose. Polyanthus is the same plant bred to hold its flowers up in a bunch on one stem, and is grown and sold the same way.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Every 4 daysKeep it moist — water at the first hint of dryness — don't wait for a dry pot.
- Light
- Part shade
- Feed
- Every 28 days
- Humidity
- Average
- Hardiness
- Hardy — a very cold winter RHS H6, to -20°C
- Size
- 0.2 m tall · 0.25 m across
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Origin
- Western and southern Europe
Is it safe for pets and people?
Affects dogs, cats, horses. Signs: vomiting in dogs and cats after chewing the leaves or crown.
Nobody has checked this one against a source for us yet, so treat it as unknown rather than safe.
People who react to Primula obconica sometimes react to this one too, though far less — the primin that causes it is only present in traces here. Gloves if you know you are sensitive.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-09-22.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.