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Key characteristics

Family: Primulaceae
Height: 10 to 14 in
Width: 10 to 12 in
Flower color: Rich red to deep crimson blossoms with contrasting yellow centers, held in nodding clusters above the foliage
Foliage color: Medium to deep green, softly wrinkled, oval to spoon-shaped basal leaves
Bloom time: Mid to late spring
Light: Full sun to part shade
Water: Moderate moisture
Maintenance: Low, remove spent flowers to extend bloom and tidy foliage after flowering
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 8
Wildlife: Early-season bees

Groundcovers

Primula veris 'Sunset Shades'

Sunset Shades Cowslip

Primula veris 'Sunset Shades' bears nodding, bell-shaped flowers held in rounded clusters above a low rosette of softly crinkled green leaves. The blooms open in rich tones of crimson to wine red, often shading darker toward the throat, creating a warm, cohesive display through the clump. The foliage remains compact and textured, providing a tidy base that supports the colorful flowers throughout the spring flowering period.

Light

Full sun to part shade

Water

Moderate moisture

Bloom time

Mid to late spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Woodland Gardens
Borders
Pollinator Gardens
Containers

Companion plants

Acorus · Skimmias · Astilbe · Blechnums · Carexes · Heucheras

Design tip

Plant this colorful primrose in naturalized drifts along woodland edges where its warm blooms mingle with spring bulbs and emerging perennials. Layer flowering shrubs, graceful ferns, and contrasting foliage to create a vibrant woodland planting with depth, texture, and seasonal rhythm.