cowslips in may

Our native cowslip (primula veris) likes heavy soil and flowers a little later than its woodland cousin the primrose (primula vulgaris). The cowslip is typically seen in unimproved meadows where they can create vast carpets of yellow flowers.

The cowslip has short broad leaves and holds its small yellow flowers up on a stem.

They are brilliant little plants and a useful food stop for insects in May.

I split the mature plants in June and plant into new positions ready for next year. I also seek out seedlings and distribute these around the allotment. I am slowly establishing a colony.