Primula veris (Cowslip)

Botanical name

Primula veris

Other names

Cowslip, Palsywort, Bedlam cowslip, fairy cup, Galligaskins, Gaskins, Herb Peter, Key flower, Keywort, Lady's bunch of keys, Lady's candlestick, Lady's keys, Lady's seal, Luck flower, Paggles, Paigle, Paiglewort, Paralysis, Petty mullein, Primerole, Primet, St Peter's wort , Primula macrocalyx, Primula montana

Genus

Primula Primula

Species

P. veris - P. veris is a low growing herbaceous perennial plant forming a rosette of leaves and deep yellow flowers in the spring.

Native to

Europe, Western Asia

Foliage

Semi evergreen

Fragrance

Sweetly fragrant

Habit

Clump-forming

Awards

RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

Colour

Flower

Yellow in Spring

Foliage

Green in Summer

How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids , Glasshouse red spider mite , Leaf and bud eelworms , Slugs , Vine weevil

Specific diseases

Grey mould , Leaf spot

General care

Pruning

Deadhead if desired to avoid self-seeding.

Propagation methods

Basal cuttings, Seed

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Primula veris (Cowslip) will reach a height of 0.2m and a spread of 0.2m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, Containers, Cottage/Informal, Low Maintenance, Meadow, Rock, Wildflower, Wildlife, Woodland

Cultivation

Grows best in a sheltered site in sun or partial shade.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive

Soil pH

Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Primula veris (Cowslip)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Plantago asiatica mosaic virus

Type

Virus or Viroid

Current status in UK

Unknown

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

5

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Pest risk analysis suggested potential economic impacts would be small; and management by industry would be appropriate. Industry may wish to monitor for the presence of the pest and the Dutch industry certification scheme is of added benefit to the UK.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Primula veris (Cowslip)

Common pest name

Necrotic spot

Scientific pest name

Impatiens necrotic spot virus

Type

Virus or Viroid

Current status in UK

Present (Widespread)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Pest of mainly ornamentals and vegetables; present in the UK; and covered by the EU listing of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus. To be kept under consideration in light of a review of the EU listing.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/