A native British wildflower of meadows and woodlands. Popular with butterflies, bees and beetles. Grows to 25cm tall and 15cm across in moist but well-drained soils and full sun or partial shade. This plant will also do well in a bog gaden. Produces yellow flowers from April to May.
Cowslips are the primary food plant for caterpillars of the Duke of Burgundy butterfly, although you are unlikely to see this butterfly in Bristol.
Common Cowslip / Primula veris
Position: Flower border / Container / Bog garden
Flowering months: Apr / May_
Light: Full sun / Mix of sun and shade / Dappled shade
Soil: Clay / Loam / Chalk / Sand
Tested in our local soil (t.i.o.l.s.): Yes
Drainage: Moist but well-drained / Moisture-retentive
Life cycle: Perennial (lives for many years)
Hardiness: Fully hardy (in Bristol winters)
Over winter: Partially dies back (semi-evergreen)