Latin name:Primula vulgaris. Flowers from February to May in open woodland and hedgerows. Primroses are remarkable in that they have two different types of flowers which look superficially almost identical. One type is called ‘pin-eyed’ and the other, ‘thrum-eyed’. The two different types of flowers are produced on separate plants. The production of two different types of flowers by Primroses is an adaptation to promote cross pollination.

Primrose comes from 'prima rosa', first flower of the year. It is a well-known symbol of spring and especially of Easter. For generations, bunches have been picked as presents for parents and to decorate churches. Bunches were tied up with wool and attached to a twig, so that the flowers were not crushed. Primrose Day is the 19th April, when primrose flowers are placed on Disraeli's statue in front of Westminster Abbey. They were his favourite flower, and Queen Victoria regularly sent bunches to him. On a more sombre note, Victorians used to plant Primroses on the graves of small children.

Location: Hagbourne Copse, Swindon, Wiltshire

Photographer: Anna Stowe