The native wild perennial, also known as the cosmos, is unmistakable: in spring, rosettes of slightly grey-green, wrinkled leaves grow into a strong, hairy stalk, on which stands a cluster of up to 20 cup-shaped, slightly hanging, golden-yellow and delicately scented flowers. The plant grows up to 15 centimeters high and wide.

The cowslip belongs to the primrose family

Data and facts about cowslip at a glance

  • Botanical Name: Primula veris (Cowslip), Primula elatior (Tall Cowslip), Primula vulgaris (Stemless Cowslip)
  • Family: Primrose family (Primulaceae)
  • Genus: Primroses (Primula)
  • Popular names: e.g. Heaven's key, lady's key, March flowers, Petri flower, eggplant, Auritzel, meadow primrose
  • Origin and distribution: Europe, Near East
  • Habitat: Meadows, sparse deciduous forests (especially mixed oak and beech forests), forest edges
  • Growth form: herbaceous, in groups
  • Height: about 15 to 25 centimeters
  • Perennial: yes
  • flowers: umbellate
  • Colours: yellow, red, orange
  • Flowering time: April to June (in more southern regions as early as February)
  • Fruits: Capsular fruit with numerous seeds
  • Leaves: Arrangement in rosette
  • Propagation: seeds, division
  • Hardiness: very good
  • Toxicity: no
  • Use: ornamental plant, butterfly willow, medicinal plant

Cowslip is very suitable for natural gardens

Cowslips are particularly popular in natural gardens that should have soil that is as moist as possible. The charming wild perennial also looks great in the rock garden. It is easy to release into the wild, but can also quickly become a problem if it feels too comfortable in one location. Cowslips prefer a sunny to half-shady location on humus-rich and moist, but well-drained soil. It also thrives very well on calcareous soils. Count on about eleven to 25 plants per square meter to be planted.

maintenance and propagation

Cowslips are considered to be extremely easy to care for. If self-sowing is not desired, the infructescence should be removed in good time. The plant particularly likes to hybridize with Primula elatior, the cowslip. Propagation occurs either by sowing seeds after the seeds have ripened or by division during the growth phase.

tips

The "Sunset Shades" mixture looks particularly beautiful, with flowers in yellow, red and orange tones and which can grow up to 25 centimeters in height. Red-flowered cowslips come from crossings with the hybrid Primula polyantha.

Category:

Herbs