Primrose (Sabhaircn)

One of the earliest flowers to chase away the winter gloom. Folklore tells us to “Guard the house with a string of primroses on the first three days of May. The fairies are said not to be able to pass over or under this string”. Traditionally a herald of spring and forthcoming summer, gathered on May Eve, nowadays a protected native species – it is forbidden to pick it from the wild. Luckily it is popular as a staple of cottage garden plantings for its sweetly scented pale yellow flowers from a clump of tongue-shaped leaves from as early as March to May, as well as its edibility- flowers and leaves will brighten up any salad and it makes a lovely tea. Good pollinator plant and quite deservedly holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Moist but well-drained
Position: Full sun to part shade
Season of Interest: Perennial, yellow flowers March-May, edible flowers and leaves, pollinator plant. Protected species
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 3in (0.1m) Spread: 3in (0.1m)