What are the benefits of growing Primula veris?
Beyond its respiratory benefits, cowslip (Primula veris) has a soothing touch for the skin. It’s been used in lotions to calm skin inflammations and even to reduce the appearance of freckles and wrinkles. Primula veris (cowslip) is an important medicinal–aromatic plant used traditionally for its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as a valuable horticultural plant with ornamental value and agroalimentary interest (edible flowers and leaves).
Where to plant Primula veris?
Grow Primula veris in moist soil in partial shade. It’s best grown in groups, especially if naturalised in grass, such as around the edge of a pond. Let plants self-seed after flowering, and mulch annually with well-rotted manure or compost. While primrose isn’t considered invasive, it will re-seed and spread quickly if not pruned and deadheaded regularly. For this reason, it works well as a groundcover. If you prefer to keep its growth under control, deadhead flowers before they go to seed.Some species of Oenothera, particularly Oenothera biennis (Common Evening Primrose) and Oenothera speciosa (Pink Evening Primrose), can spread aggressively through self-seeding and underground rhizomes. To prevent unwanted spread, deadhead spent flowers before they set seed and plant in contained areas if necessary.Most primroses and primulas need moisture-retentive soil and partial shade – some are more tolerant of sun. Deadhead spent blooms or let seeds develop so they can self-seed around your garden. Divide congested clumps every few years to rejuvenate them.
How do you care for a Primula veris?
Grow Primula veris in moist soil in partial shade. It’s best grown in groups, especially if naturalised in grass, such as around the edge of a pond. Primula is the Latin name for the family that includes both primroses and polyanthus. Whilst primrose flowers hug the ground (pictured left), polyanthus blooms are raised up on stalks (pictured right). The family also includes double Primlets, cowslips, auriculas and many others!The primrose is distinguished from other species of Primula by its pale yellow (in the nominate subspecies) flowers produced singly on long flower stalks which are covered in rather shaggy hairs. The flowers open flat rather than concave as in the case of Primula veris, the cowslip.Make sure you plant your primulas somewhere partially shaded, and they’re in moisture-retentive soil. Many primulas prefer a shady spot, but some can tolerate direct rays. Native primroses and cowslips need little attention to keep flowering.The primrose is one of the first flowers to bloom in spring. Its name actually comes from the Latin word ‘primus’, which means ‘first’. So, many believe that it has a meaning of youth, renewal and optimism.