Primrose, Primula, Cowslip, Auricula, Oxlip, Polyanthus

Origins    N. Hemisphere, but can also be found in Ethiopia, Indonesia, New Guinea and S. America, S.E. Asia
Type       Perennial (herbaceous)
Hardiness Zones 3 - 9
Bloom    Winter-Spring
Height    2 - 8 in (5 - 20 cm)

Cultivation
Easy; sun or semi-shade, rich, well-drained, neutral soils. Invigorate good growth, through a regular division of the plant.

Propagation
By division (late Spring or Early Fall).

Other
A most attractive, and very popular (town & country) little plant. Available in a great variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, in

cultivated as well as wild forms. Some, come with fragrant blooms, e.g. Primula 'Bon Accord Cerise', and Primula 'Crathes
Crimson'.

Primulas have long been used in medicinal remedies in the treatment of rheumatism, gout, healing of the wounds. Wild primulas' (Cowslip) blooms have been used to make wine. Modern-day herbals do confirm flowers' sedative and anti-inflammatory action. 

Evening Primrose is not a true primula.

Please, note - Not all primulas are hardy in zones 3-9. There are practically hundreds of varieties available these days and some of them are harder than others. Always check with suppliers, to be sure.

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References - Find more about: Hardiness Zones
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: Phil Sellens/CC 2.0, dive-angel (Karin), Jasmine&Roses, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., TMR Davies, W.D. Williams