Oxlip

Primula elatior

Native to:
Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Ukraine

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Primulaceae
Genus:
Primula
Species:
Primula elatior
USDA Symbol:
PREL3

Growth Characteristics

Height:
30 cm
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Fragrant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
good drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Prefers woodland and meadow habitats in native range

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Light aids germination; sow on surface or barely cover. Cool temperatures (50-65°F) improve germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society