This is also an important plant being studied for its influence on the health of ecosystems.
Cowslip’s flowers are lemon yellow and bell-shaped with five petals.
Each flower is surrounded by a long green tube-shaped casing called a calyx.
sandra standbridge / Getty Images
The flowers form in nodding clusters all facing one side of the stem.
It can be grown in full sun in northern climates provided it receives enough water.
Cowslip does not do well in standing water but soil should be kept moist.
Potted plants may require daily watering in the heat of summer.
It reseeds readily; however, seeds require a period ofcold stratification.
Purchased seeds are normally directly sown into the garden in autumn in northern climates.
In the southern United States, seeds are sown in spring for bloom in spring of the following year.
Cowslip can also be grown in pots.
Fertilizer with a slightlyhigher phosphorous contentshould be applied only in early spring.
If temperatures drop below 15F.
At temperatures above 80F cowslip can begin to wilt.
Little pruning is required, but deadheading spent blooms will encourage more flowers and can extend the bloom period.
Dead or damaged foliage can be removed any time.
It is both deer and rabbit resistant.
