Oxlip Primrose
Primula elatior
Oxlip Primrose (Primula elatior) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 8–12 in tall and 8–12 in wide, needs medium water, and prefers partial shade to dappled sun. Soft yellow primrose for woodland or part-shade gardens; tougher than common primrose.
Plant Select®medium water8–12 in tall and 8–12 in wideToxic to dogs
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Primula elatior
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 8–12 in tall and 8–12 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~8–12 in apart
- Bloom length
- 2–3 weeks
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in partial shade; tolerates dappled sun. Flowers best with more sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Bloom color
- yellow
- Bloom time
- early spring, mid spring, late spring
- Pollinator value
- moderate
Things to know before you plant
- Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
Planting & establishment
Deep water every 1–2 weeks during establishment (first growing season), then water sparingly per Plant Select guidance.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Oxlip Primrose good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Oxlip Primrose is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Oxlip Primrose?
- The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
- How big does Oxlip Primrose get?
- It matures to about 8–12 in tall and 8–12 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Oxlip Primrose?
- Space Oxlip Primrose about 8 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 12 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Oxlip Primrose hardy on the Front Range?
- Oxlip Primrose is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Oxlip Primrose need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- Is Oxlip Primrose safe for dogs?
- No. Oxlip Primrose is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Oxlip Primrose deer-resistant?
- No. Oxlip Primrose is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Oxlip Primrose a good firewise plant near the house?
- Oxlip Primrose is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does Oxlip Primrose bloom?
- Oxlip Primrose blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
