The Vernales section of primulas, correctly called section Primula, includes our beloved primrose, cowslip and oxlip, which are usually, but not always, pale yellow. There are also some bright pink species from further afield - not to mention the polyanthus hybrids, with appallingly vivid colours, fortunately kept away from us in municipal plantings in the middles of roundabouts.

Primula elatior is rare in Britain, but common in Europe. The oxlip has upright stems with clusters of flowers, rather smaller than those of the primrose, and of a similar pale yellow. This is a strain derived from plants that we believe originated in France, and which we have grown for many years. Occasional seedlings that appear to be hybrids with Primula vulgaris are weeded out, but it is possible that they could occur again.