Our guide to the meaning and colour symbolism of primroses

A history of primroses

Primroses have been around for centuries. So far back that we don’t even know where they first originated or who found them! We do know that a Swedish botanist first announced in 1753 that they belonged to the primula genus. And, one of the earliest records we have of primroses is from 1597, where they were included in a book titled: The herball: or, Generall historie of plantes.

Native to Europe, primroses have been loved for as long as we can remember. They were even rumoured to be Shakespeare’s favourite flower since he featured them in so many of his plays! They also have a long associated history with fairies and were nicknamed ‘fairy cups’. In English folklore, people believed that if you ate a primrose, you would see a fairy. So, of course, children up and down the country munched on the flowers hoping to meet a little whimsical creature (and we don’t blame them)!

It was also believed that leaving primroses on your doorstep would make fairies bless your house, and putting them in a cowshed would tell them that they can’t take the milk for themselves. Even in Ireland, the fairy folklore was strong, and primroses were used to help ward off evil spirits while also connecting people with fairies.

What do primroses mean?

The primrose is one of the first flowers to bloom in spring. Its name actually comes from the Latin word ‘primus’, which means ‘first’. So, many believe that it has a meaning of youth, renewal and optimism. In the Victorian era, when floriography was really popular and everyone passed secret messages to each other through flowers (we definitely need to bring this trend back), it was thought that giving someone a primrose was a sign of young love…how cute is that?

What do the different colour primroses symbolise?

Just like with all flowers, primroses come in lots of different colours, and each of those colours has its own special meaning. The most common colour of primroses that you’ll probably see covering woodlands is yellow. But, they can also be found in white, orange, pink and red.

White primrose

Though it might be the most common colour, white primroses don’t have the happiest meaning. They’re known for symbolising sadness and mourning. So, if you know someone who has recently passed, sending white primroses to loved ones will be a thoughtful gesture.

Red primrose

Red primroses have a much more joyful meaning, as they symbolise passion, young love, charm and longing. They’re perfect to give to a new romantic partner, or, if you want to make the first move, someone you’ve had a crush on for a while.

Yellow primrose

Yellow primroses symbolise happiness, warmth and love and are better to give someone you’re in a long-term relationship with or someone who has always been there for you through thick and thin.

Pink primrose

Pink primroses have a meaning of femininity, grace, youth and renewal. This makes them ideal to have around the house during springtime or to give to a woman who means the world to you!

When should you give someone primroses?

The beauty of primroses is that they can be given on any occasion. With how bright and cheerful they are and their happy meanings, you can go wrong with sending someone a bouquet with primroses. We think they make great flowers to say congratulations if someone has just graduated. They’re also perfect as get well soon flowers to give someone who’s feeling under the weather. Because who wouldn’t feel better after receiving some colourful primroses.

Of course, you can always treat yourself to some primroses too - self-care at its finest! And they’re perfect to send for spring birthdays or simply just because you want to show someone how much you care and appreciate them.

Fun facts about primroses!

Want to learn even more about primroses? Us too! Here are some fun facts that you can use to impress all your friends.

• During the Middle Ages, primroses were used to make love potions.

• They are the second favourite in Britain (just behind bluebells).

• Primrose became enormously popular as a girl’s name in 2015, with new parents inspired by The Hunger Games.

• The bulbs can be poisonous to animals, so make sure you plant them where cats or dogs can’t get to them.

• In the UK, the 19th of April is known as Primrose Day.

• There are around 500-600 Primrose species.

• They taste like lettuce.

Find out more about modern floriography and the meaning and language of flowers.

If you’re still looking for some spring flower inspiration, have a read of our complete guide to tulips to learn all about them!