Practical
Plants

Primula vulgaris

Primrose

a perennial member of the Primula genus in the family Primulaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Primula
Life cycle
perennial
Height
0.3 m
Spread
0.25 m
Fertility
Self fertile, Bees, Lepidoptera, Self
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Bees, Lepidoptera, Self

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Young leaves - raw or cooked as a potherb, added to soups etc[7][4][5]. A mild flavour, though the texture is a bit tough[K]. The leaves are often available all through the winter[K]. Flowers - raw or cooked. They make an attractive garnish to salads[4, 183, 238, K], and can also be used as a cooked vegetable or in conserves etc[15][5]. Picked when first opened, the flowers are fermented with water and sugar to make a very pleasant and intoxicating wine[7]. Both the flowers and the leaves can be made into a syrup or a tea[5].

Plant part
Flowers
Plant part
Leaves
Product or use
Tea

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Primroses have a very long history of medicinal use and has been particularly employed in treating conditions involving spasms, cramps, paralysis and rheumatic pains[10]. They are, however, considered to be less effective than the related P. veris[10]. The plant contains saponins, which have an expectorant effect, and salicylates which are the main ingredient of aspirin and have anodyne, anti-inflammatory and febrifuge effects[10]. This remedy should not be prescribed for pregnant women, patients who are sensitive to aspirin, or those taking anti-coagulant drugs such as warfarin[10]. The roots and the flowering herb are anodyne, antispasmodic, astringent, emetic, sedative and vermifuge[15]. An infusion of the roots is a good remedy against nervous headaches[15]. The roots are harvested in the autumn when two or three years old and dried for later use[15]. An ointment has been made from the plant and used for treating skin wounds[12].

Product or use
Anodyne
Product or use
Antispasmodic
Product or use
Astringent
Product or use
Emetic
Product or use
Sedative
Product or use
Vermifuge

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Makes a good carpet in open woodland and on woodland edges[11][14]. Plants are best spaced about 35cm apart each way[9].

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Soil surface

Environment

Range
Western Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia.
Habitat
Woods and hedgerows on acid and calcareous soils[15][3]. Also found in the open on north-facing slopes in south-western England[14].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 6+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay, heavy clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerances
high wind, maritime exposure
Wind
Yes
Maritime
Yes
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[2]. Sow stored seed in early spring in a cold frame[1]. Germination is inhibited by temperatures above 20°c[8]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in autumn. This is best done every other year[8].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Prefers a medium to heavy moisture retentive humus rich loam in a cool position with light to medium shade[8]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Plants are hardy to about -25°c[6]. A very ornamental plant, there are many named varieties[6]. The blooms have a characteristic fragrance of a mossy bank or a deciduous woodland[13]. This species hybridizes readily with P. elatior[3].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

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  2. Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 1. Thompson and Morgan. 1987-00-00

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  3. Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  4. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169

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  5. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

    ↩1↩2↩3

  6. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9

    ↩1↩2

  7. Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-486-20459-6

    ↩1↩2

  8. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3

  9. Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1

    ↩

  10. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  11. Baines. C. Making a Wildlife Garden.

    ↩

  12. Phillips. R. & Foy. N. Herbs Pan Books Ltd. London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30725-8

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  13. Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994-00-00 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8

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  14. Brown. Shade Plants for Garden and Woodland.

    ↩1↩2

  15. Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

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