Primula japonica

Primula japonica, the Japanese primrose or Japanese cowslip, is a species of flowering plant in the family Primulaceae, native to Japan. It is an herbaceous perennial growing to 45 cm (18 in) tall and broad, with clusters of purple flowers on erect stems, emerging from rosettes of leaves to 25 cm (10 in) long, in spring.

The common name Japanese primrose also applies to the related species Primula sieboldii.

The plant prefers shady, damp, poorly drained conditions such as those found at the edge of streams and ponds. Numerous cultivars have been developed for garden use, of which 'Miller's Crimson' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.