How big does Cowslip grow?

About 25 cm × 20 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 15–30 cm × 10–20 cm.

What soil does Cowslip grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, calcareous.

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Cowslip flower?

Flowering: March–May, yellow.

How much water does Cowslip need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

Cowslip

Primula veris

Cowslip (Primula veris) is a perennial that reaches 25 cm × 20 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €4.70.

Illustration of Cowslip — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A low, rosette-forming perennial of meadows and wood edges that opens nodding, fragrant, egg-yellow flowers in April on stems held above the leaves. It likes neutral to limy soil that is moist in spring and seeds itself nicely into grass that is mown late. The leaves may die back in summer heat, which is normal, but do not let it dry out completely.

Watch out for

Rarely seriously troubled. Slugs and snails may chew it, and aphids, spider mites, vine weevil grubs, grey mould in damp weather and leaf spot can occur. It rots in waterlogged or winter-wet soil and the foliage deteriorates in summer heat and drought. Several wild primulas are protected in Central Europe, so always plant nursery-grown stock and never collect from the wild.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 25 cm × 20 cm
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D March–May, yellow

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	25 cm × 20 cm
Ultimate size	15–30 cm × 10–20 cm
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	March–May, yellow
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	20 cm
For dogs	Toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €4.70

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €4.70

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Perennials for clay soil Perennials for pollinators Plants for containers Low-maintenance perennials Fragrant plants Fragrant perennials

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