Common Cowslip (Bainne bó bleachtáin)

Primula veris has been used for centuries as a ‘nervine’, said to have a tonic effect on the nervous system and producing a feeling of well-being. It was once so popular it was nearly picked to extinction. The Latin veris translates as ‘Spring’ and it is indeed an early flowering clump-forming native, bearing nodding umbels of yellow flowers with orange streaks on tall, upright stems. The leaves are wrinkly and pale green. A pretty plant, with a good backstory, for spring flowering schemes.

Site: Sheltered, tolerates some exposure
Soil: Any moist but well-drained
Position: Full sun to part shade
Season of Interest: Perennial, pale-green leaves, early yellow flowers Apr-May
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 1.5ft (0.5m) Spread: 3in (0.1m)