January's Plant of the Month
Our plant of the month for January is the lovely, natural Primrose. Commonly found in woodland and shaded damp areas, the primrose is a common sight amongst the British countryside.
Where does the name ‘Primrose’ stem from? The name 'Primula vulgaris' comes from the Latin 'prima rosa', translating as ‘first rose’ As one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, primroses are thought to represent youth and renewal.
Latin name: Primula vulgaris
Family: Primulaceae
Origin: Native to the UK and common across a wide spread of European countries.
Characteristics: Green foliage with yellow flowers. Preferred neighbours: Daffodils and Violets.
Top Tip: Mulch annually with quality compost to keep the soil rich and moist. Fun fact: Primrose is the county flower for Devon.
Are Primroses easy to grow? Yes, Primroses are nice and easy to grow, perfect for beginners. They are hardy perennials that tolerate most soil types and enjoy a shady spot in any garden.
When does a Primrose flower? A Primrose typically flowers from March to May when growing in the wild. When planted as biennial container plants or kept inside a greenhouse, a Primrose can also flower during the winter months.
Are Primroses good for wildlife? Yes, Primroses are very good for wildlife. They are attractive to most pollinators, such as bees, birds and butterflies. Their nectar-rich flowers make excellent caterpillar food.
Did you know? Some primroses are actually edible! The fresh green leaves are often enjoyed in salads, whilst the flowers offer both a sweet flavour and a decorative finish. Although we recommend researching thoroughly before consuming anything from nature.
A little History… Queen Victoria was known to send primroses to the Earl of Beaconsfield, Benjamin Disraeli, a former prime minister of Great Britain. As the primrose was his favourite flower, the anniversary of Disraeli’s death on the nineteenth of April has since been known as “Primrose Day”.
