Species
Primula vulgarisEnglish Primrose8 other cultivars
‘Belarina Pink Ice’Belarina Pink Ice Primrose
‘Belarina Amethyst Ice’Amethyst Ice Primrose
‘Blue Zebra’Blue Zebra Primrose
‘Mixed Hardy’Mixed Hardy English Primrose
‘Oakleaf Yellow Picotee’Oakleaf Yellow Picotee Primrose
‘Corporal Baxter’Corporal Baxter English Primrose
‘Zebra Blue’Zebra Blue Primula
‘Ken Dearman’Common Primula Ken Dearman
The Story
Plant Bio
A low-growing, semi-evergreen perennial that forms a basal rosette of wrinkled, tongue-shaped, medium green leaves. In early spring, it bears clusters of fragrant, salverform flowers on short stems.
'Sunshine Susie' is a distinctive double-flowered English primrose, featuring bright, sunny yellow blossoms. It is noted for its vigorous growth and long bloom period from late winter into spring.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
8 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Requires consistently moist soil
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Europe and southwest Asia
Toxicity
Can cause skin irritation; mildly toxic if ingested.
Bloom period
Early spring – Mid-spring
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring
- Keep soil consistently moist during active growth
- Place in partial shade for best results
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature
- Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks during spring and early summer
- Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring
Pro Tip
Ensure soil remains moist and provide partial shade for vibrant blooms
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture
- Divide plants every few years to encourage healthy growth
- Fertilize in early spring for best flowering
Don't
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Don't expose to full, harsh sun in hot climates ❌
- Avoid over-fertilizing, which can reduce blooms
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Sunshine Susie Double English Primrose questions
What zones can Sunshine Susie Double English Primrose grow in?
Sunshine Susie Double English Primrose is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Sunshine Susie Double English Primrose deer resistant?
Yes — Sunshine Susie Double English Primrose is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Sunshine Susie Double English Primrose bloom?
Sunshine Susie Double English Primrose typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Sunshine Susie Double English Primrose need full sun?
Sunshine Susie Double English Primrose does best in part shade.
More Primula to compare
Pacific Hybrids Primrose
Primula x polyantha 'Pacific Hybrids'
Primula Crescendo Mix
Primula x polyantha 'Crescendo Mix'
Belarina Pink Ice Primrose
Primula vulgaris 'Belarina Pink Ice'
Bulley's Primrose
Primula bulleyana
Amethyst Ice Primrose
Primula vulgaris 'Belarina Amethyst Ice'
Belarina Cream Primrose
Primula veris 'Belarina Cream'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Sunshine Susie Double English Primrose with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.