History and Tradition

 

The medicinal properties of this herb have long been listed in old herbals (since the Roman Pliny’s time) and it is because of the useful medicinal properties of its flowers that primroses are classified as a herb.

 

Historically the flowers were used to make ointments and the herb was thought to be effective in the remedy of  insomnia, rheumatic pain and gout.  It was well known for its sedative properties and it has been stated that primrose tea drunk in May “is famous for curing the phrensie”!

 

Description

 

Primroses are low growing perennial herbs with deeply veined, broad ovate, mid-green crinkly leaves and delightful pale yellow flowers with a deep yellow centre.  The flowers are delicately scented.  Primrose flowers from winter to late spring.

 

Uses

 

The flowers and leaves are both edible and can be added to salads and desserts.  Flowers can be candied and added to cakes.

 

Site

 

Primroses prefer a moist, humus rich soil.  They were once found in profusion in the wild but are now becoming very rare.  Their natural habitat in the wild tended to be in woodland areas or along the edge of hedges and ditches.  In the garden environment choose a spot with shade or partial shade; try to emulate the natural habitat as much as possible.  Primroses are a farm favourite.  We have them planted under our deciduous willow trees which shade them in summer, the falling leaves in autumn providing a mulch which keeps the soil damp and the provides humus rich soil they prefer.

  

Propagation

 

The easiest way to propagate primroses is to divide established clumps in autumn.   Division is necessary in any event to keep the plants healthy.  Alternatively leave the seed heads to ripen and the seeds to fall in situ. 

 

Seed needs to be sown fresh otherwise it will need a period of cold to stimulate germination.  Germination is likely to be more erratic using this method.  Sow the seeds in late summer and place outside during the winter (either in a cold frame or cover with glass to keep the birds off).  Germination will occur in spring.  Fresh seed sown in late summer will germinate in a few weeks.

 

Maintenance

 

Divide established plants in autumn to maintain plant health.