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Primula (Common Primrose)
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Primula (Common Primrose)

Primula vulgaris

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NamePrimula (Common Primrose)
DescriptionClassic spring flower with pale yellow to cream blooms nestled in rosettes of wrinkled leaves. Flowers appear very early spring, often while snow still on ground. Sweet fragrance attracts early pollinators. Unlike cowslip, flowers sit close to leaves on short stems. Easy to grow in shade gardens. Popular in containers and woodland gardens.
FamilyPrimulaceae
GenusPrimula
TribePrimuleae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaEBr ⊕ ⚥ K(5) C(5) A5 G(5)

Ebracteate, radially symmetrical (actinomorphic), bisexual, 5 fused sepals forming tube, 5 fused petals forming salverform corolla with tube and flat spreading lobes, 5 stamens attached to corolla tube, 5 fused carpels with superior ovary. Heterostylous (pin and thrum forms)

Features
  • Name 'Primula' from Latin 'primus' (first) - one of earliest spring flowers. P. vulgaris (common primrose) most widespread. About 500 Primula species worldwide. Cultivated varieties come in rainbow colors - pink, purple, red, blue, white, but wild type is pale yellow
  • Flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across, pale yellow to cream with darker yellow center. 5 notched petals forming flat face. Sweet, subtle fragrance. Flowers on very short stems (almost stemless), nestled among leaves. Blooms February-May (late winter to spring). Each plant produces 10-25 flowers
  • Herbaceous perennial. Basal rosette of wrinkled, spoon-shaped leaves 2-6 inches long, hairy texture. Leaves evergreen in mild winters. Flowers arise on short stems from leaf axils. Compact, low-growing habit. Some people develop skin rash from touching leaves (primula dermatitis)
  • Grows 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) tall in bloom, 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) wide. Lifespan 5+ years with proper care. Propagated from seed (sow fresh), division (after flowering), or root cuttings. Divide every 3-4 years. Self-seeds in ideal conditions
  • Native to western and southern Europe, from Britain to Balkans. Also found in North Africa, western Asia, Himalayas. Grows in woodlands, hedgerows, grassy banks, shaded areas. Prefers cool, moist habitats. Naturalized in parts of North America
  • Requires partial to full shade (prefers shade, tolerates morning sun). Needs cool, moist, well-drained soil rich in humus. Regular watering - don't let dry out. Hardy zones 4-8. Struggles in heat and humidity. Mulch to keep roots cool and moist. Protect from hot afternoon sun
  • Excellent for shade gardens, woodland gardens, rock gardens, containers. Popular spring bedding plant. Attracts early bees and butterflies. Deer and rabbit resistant. Flowers edible - used to decorate cakes and salads. Leaves can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive people
  • Symbolizes young love, early youth, renewal. Featured in Shakespeare's works. Easy to grow in right conditions. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming. Feed monthly in spring. Divide crowded clumps after flowering. Hundreds of cultivated varieties in all colors available

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificPrimula vulgaris
English (Alternate)Primula, Fairy Primrose, Baby Primrose, Japanese Primrose, Northern Primrose, Slender Primrose
Hindiबसंती गुलाब (Basaṃtī Gulāb), प्रिम्यूला (Primula), प्रिम्युला (Pimyula)
Tamilபிரதம மலர் (Prathama Malar)
Teluguపగడ ములక (Pagaḍa mulaka)
Malayalamപ്രിമുല (Primula)
Kannadaಮನೋರಂಜಿನಿ (Manōran̄jini)
Sanskritपुरोध पुष्पम् (Purodha Puṣpam)
Bengaliকেশরদাম (Keshordam)
Frenchprimevère
Russianпримула (primula)
Spanishprimavera
GermanSchlüsselblume

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.