National Primrose Day – February 5, 2025

History of National Primrose Day

The primrose gets its name from the Latin words ‘prima rosa’ which means ‘first rose.’ The flower belongs to the primula family. There are about 1,000 varieties. The primrose flower that can be seen beautifying banks, hedgerows, and gardens, is called the ‘Common Primrose’. The plant has pretty soft yellow flowers. The flowers rise on hairy stems that have tough leathery leaves. Primroses have been known to bloom as early as December in some countries. In southern and southwestern counties, the plant can continue to flower until late May. The flower serves as an important source of nectar for spring butterflies. Primroses mark the transition from winter to spring.

Primroses have significance in folklore. They are symbols of eternal love in the Irish tradition. They are also supposed to prevent fairies from entering when they are festooning a doorway. Primroses are significant in English folklore as well. They are usually used as a burial garland for young women who have died during the spring. The primrose’s pale colors denote purity.

The British conservation charity ‘Plantlife’ led a nationwide campaign to identify and designate a native wildflower for each county in the year 2002. Devon county chose the primrose flower as its official county flower. This makes National Primrose Day a bit more special for the lovely people of Devon county. There is a bronze statue of Lord Beaconsfield in Parliament Square that was decorated with primroses on the anniversary of his death every year.