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 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 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 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.

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.

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Oxlip Primrose

Primula elatior

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-30

Oxlip Primrose (Primula elatior) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 8 to 12 in tall and 8 to 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 to 12 in tall and 8 to 12 in wideToxic to dogs

Photos

Photo 1: (c) Catherine Faber, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 2: Robert Flogaus-Faust, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY)
Photo 3: susan mccall, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 4: Rosa-Maria Rinkl, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 5: no rights reserved

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 3 to 8
Water needs: medium water
Sun: Best in partial shade; tolerates dappled sun. Flowers best with more sun.
Soil: loam, sandy
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 8 to 12 in tall and 8 to 12 in wide
Planting spacing: ~8 to 12 in apart

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: early spring, mid spring, late spring
Bloom color: yellow
Bloom length: 2 to 3 weeks
Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: moderate
Deer: Not rated
Colorado native: No

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Things to know before you plant

Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.

Planting & establishment

Deep water every 1 to 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 to 12 in tall and 8 to 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 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 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.
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.