Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Herbaceous Perennial

Primula elatior (Pr)

oxlip

A semi-evergreen perennial to 30cm, with a rosette of ovate to oblong leaves, and erect stems bearing one-sided clusters of dark-eyed yellow flowers 2.5cm in width

Other common names
bardfield oxlip
great cowslip
see moretrue oxlip
Synonyms
Primula leucophylla
Primula lofthousei
see morePrimula montana Opiz
Primula ruprechtii
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Primulaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Primula are herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennials, forming a basal rosette of simple leaves, with salver-shaped or bell-shaped flowers which may be solitary or carried in an umbel or in whorls on an erect stem

Name status

Correct

Horticultural Group
Primula section primulas can be evergreen or herbaceous perennials, forming a rosette of oblong or obovate leaves and with clusters or umbels of salver-shaped flowers in winter or spring
Plant range
Europe, SW Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow as biennials for bedding and in a container or rock garden. Favours a sheltered position in sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed or root basal cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, vine weevil, slugs, leaf and bud eelworms and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

May be subject to a leaf spot and grey mould

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.