Primrose is an unincorporated community in Lee County, Iowa, United States.

It was named Primrose by Minerva McCulloch, an early resident, after the wild roses that grew in the area.

A post office was established in Primrose in 1845, with Exum McCulloch serving as the first postmaster.

A two-story school was built in Primrose in 1850, which served 130 students at its peak.

By 1868, Primrose contained blacksmith shops, coopers, doctors' offices, a mill, and several hotels and general stores.