A native British woodland wildflower that flowers from December to May and is popular with butterflies. Grows to 10cm tall and 15cm across in moist but well-drained soils and full sun or partial shade. They are great plants for areas of lawn that are shaded by a tree(s).
Primroses are a food plant for caterpillars of the Duke of Burgundy butterfly, although you are unlikely to see this butterfly in Bristol.
Primrose / Primula vulgaris
Position: Flower border / Container / Bog garden
Flowering months: Dec_/ Jan / Feb / Mar / 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
Life cycle: Perennial (lives for many years)
Hardiness: Fully hardy (in Bristol winters)
Over winter: Partially dies back (semi-evergreen)