Primrose

Primrose

This genus includes about 400 species of perennials, occurring mostly in temperate and mountainous areas of the northern hemisphere. Many are grown as ornamentals in a wide range of situations, including rock gardens and watersides. Primroses and cowslips are enduringly popular as garden plants, and naturalize well in grass. They should be planted well apart to avoid hybridization. Both species have a long history of use as medicinal herbs. Primula vulgaris was recommended by Pliny for paralysis, gout and rheumatism, and by Culpeper for healing wounds. Primula veris was once known as herba paralysis, radix arthritica, and "palsywort", due to its widespread use, dating back to at least medieval times, for conditions involving spasms, cramps, and paralysis, and rheumatic pain. Culpeper also prescribed the flowers, mixed with nutmeg, for "all infirmaties of the head", and referred to the use of the leaves "by our city dames" in cosmetics to enhance beauty and to treat "spots and wrinkles of the skin, sun-burning and freckles". Until cowslips became quite rare in this century, through habitat loss and modern farming practices, the flowers were collected each spring to make wine, which was taken largely as a sedative and nervine. Both species have similar constituents that may be used interchangeably; these include saponins, which have an expectorant effect, and salicylates (as in aspirin). Primula veris is now the more widely used.

Small, clump-forming perennial with a shorth thick rhizome and oblanceolate leaves, 5-25cm (2-10in) long . Solitary, pale yellow flowers, 3-4cm (1¼-1½in) across, with notched petals, appear in late spring and winter.

Common Name:

Primrose

Botanical Name:

Primula vulgaris

Genus:

Primula

Family:

Primulaceae

Cultivation:

Dry, neutral to alkaline soil in sun or partial shade (P. veris). Moist, well-drained soil in sun or shade (P. vulgaris). Regular division is necessary to ensure vigor. Plants may be affected by rust, Botrytis, leafspot, and other fungal and viral diseases. Aphids, caterpillars, cutworms, and vine weevils may damage leaves.

Propagation:

By seed sown in late summer (species only); by division in late spring or early autumn.

Harvest:

Flowers (including calyx) are picked in spring and used fresh, or dried for use in infusions, ointments, and tinctures. Whole plant (P. vulgaris) is cut when flowering, and dried for use in infusions. Roots are lifted in spring (P. veris), or autumn of second year (P. vulgaris), and dried for decoctions and tinctures.

Native Location:

Europe and N Asia to the Caucasus

Height:

15cm (6in)

Width:

24cm (10in)

Variations:

Alba Plena
Syn. Double White
Has double white flowers.

Double Sulphur
Has double pale yellow flowers.

Jack in the Green
Has single pale yellow flowers, each backed by small, bract-like leaves.

Warning:

Skin irritant and allergen.
Not given during pregnancy, or to patients sensitive to aspirin or taking anti-coagulant drugs (e.g. warfarin).

Hardiness:

Z5-9

Parts Used:

Whole plant, leaves, roots, flowers.

Properties:

An expectorant, anti-inflammatory herb that relieves pain, relaxes spasms, and promotes healing.

Medicinal Uses:

Internally for bronchitis, respiratory tract infections, insomnia, anxiety, rheumatic disorders, and gout. Externally for minor wounds, and nerve and joint pain. May be used as a substitute for P. veris, although generally considered less effective.

Culinary Uses:

Flowers and young leaves are added to salads. Flowers are used to make desserts, such as primrose pottage, based on ground rice flavored with saffron, honey and almonds.

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