Primula elatior

Springtime fragrant, pale yellow flowers with pale orange throats form an umbel that nods to one side only (quite rakish, if I do say). Accustomed to England, where it is native to oak, ash, hazel, and field maple stands, it should feel relatively at home in much of our northwest. It is used to nutrient-poor, calcium-rich soil so please do not feed the elatior! 10" tall. It is now extremely rare in the wild.Minimum temperature: -20?F

The Oxlip is native to Europe, and is a delightful spring bloomer closely allied to English Cowslip (P. veris). 8" tall stalks bear clusters of butter-pale flowers in May, each flower being inches long. Compared to English Cowslip, the Oxlip is the slender cousin, with slightly downy leaves, and with smaller and paler yellow blossoms. It has been grown in American gardens since at least 1800-1850. It is a perfectly hardy perennial in the north and, once settled in, can live for decades. Culture: Grow in light shade and a fertile well-watered soil. In cool climates, full sun is acceptable if the soil is moist. If too hot and dry, the plants will yellow and go dormant over summer, but usually leaf out again in fall. Best suited to northern climates, it could well be difficult for southern and western gardeners to keep them happy. Propagate by division after flowering.