Primrose Mixed – Large-Flowered Scented Primrose

Primrose Mixed (Primula acaulis) brings a cheerful burst of colour to the garden from late winter into spring, with large, gently scented flowers in a jewel-bright mix of shades above neat rosettes of crinkled green leaves. Supplied as a healthy, established plant in a 9cm pot, it is perfect for pots, window boxes, hanging baskets, borders and underplanting roses and shrubs.

Product Highlights

• Large, scented flowers in a vibrant mix of colours
• Flowers from late winter through spring, when little else is in bloom
• Compact rosettes around 15–20cm tall
• Hardy perennial that returns year after year
• Early nectar for bees emerging in spring
• Ideal for containers, baskets, borders and underplanting

At a Glance

• Botanical name: Primula acaulis (Primula vulgaris hybrid)
• Common name: Primrose Mixed
• Height: 15–20cm
• Spread: 15–20cm
• Position: Partial shade, or sun if kept moist
• Soil: Moisture-retentive, humus-rich
• Flowers: Mixed colours, late winter to spring
• Scented: Yes
• Hardiness: Fully hardy perennial in the UK
• Pot size: 9cm

What You Receive

• 1 healthy, established mixed primrose plant in a 9cm pot
• Grown and packed with care in the UK
• Please note: as a mixed variety grown from seed, colours are chosen at random and cannot be guaranteed

Why You'll Love It

• Brightens dull winter and early spring days with big, colourful blooms
• Lovely planted in groups or as a colourful edging
• Perfect partner beneath roses and shrubs, which shade it through summer

Frequently Asked Questions

When do primroses flower?
They flower from late winter through spring, often starting as early as February in mild spells and continuing into May.

Are these primroses scented?
Yes. The large flowers have a gentle, sweet primrose fragrance, most noticeable when planted in groups or in pots near a doorway.

Where should I plant primroses?
Primroses prefer partial shade and moisture-retentive soil. They can grow in sun as long as they are kept well watered. They are perfect under roses and shrubs, in borders, pots, window boxes and hanging baskets.

Can primroses be planted under roses?
Yes, they make an excellent underplanting. They flower while roses are still bare in spring, then enjoy the cool shade of the rose foliage through summer.

Do primroses come back every year?
Yes. Primroses are hardy perennials. Remove faded flowers to extend blooming, and divide large clumps after flowering every few years to keep them vigorous.

When should I plant primroses?
Autumn is ideal, giving roots time to settle before spring flowering, but they can be planted any time the ground is not frozen or waterlogged.

Folklore & Fascinating Facts

• The name primrose comes from the Latin prima rosa, meaning "first rose" of the year.
• Primrose flowers and young leaves are edible and were traditionally added to salads and spring dishes.
• In old herbals the primrose was valued as a gentle spring herb, and in folklore it was said to open the way to fairyland.