Overview
Primula alpicola subsp. luna is a rosette-forming, clump-forming perennial in the genus Primula, part of the Primulaceae family, with deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; rosettes of crinkled or mealy leaves foliage. Primula alpicola subsp. luna grows best in partial shade; alpines and auriculas take more sun, and tolerates fertile humus-rich loam; alpine kinds need gritty free-draining soil soils and neutral to slightly acid; asiatic species dislike lime pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4-H7 depending on group. It is native to Bhutan and southeastern Tibet.
About
Primula alpicola subsp. luna is a perennial primula that forms rosette, clump-forming groups with crinkled or mealy leaves and bell-shaped flowers. Flowering occurs from February to June, with single plants producing blooms in white, cream, yellow or purple tones. Plants range from deciduous to semi-evergreen or evergreen in leaf retention, depending on form and site. It suits sheltered, part-shade positions where soil matches the plant group’s needs.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Primula alpicola
About the genus
Primula is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the family Primulaceae. They include the primrose, a familiar wildflower of banks and verges. Other common species are P.
Wikipedia contributors, "Primula", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Primula
In the garden
Primula alpicola subsp. luna belongs to the Primulaceae and is native to Bhutan and south-eastern Tibet. As a rosette-forming perennial it produces clearly bell-shaped flowers in a palette from white and cream through yellow to purple; flowering runs from February to June. Different garden forms vary in leaf persistence, from deciduous to semi-evergreen or fully evergreen, and leaves are typically crinkled or mealy. Select a sheltered north-, east- or west-facing spot in partial shade. Soil requirements depend on the group: give candelabra and woodland forms a fertile, humus-rich loam kept reliably moist, while alpine forms require a gritty, free-draining mix and a slightly sunnier aspect similar to auriculas. Aim for neutral to slightly acid soil; Asiatic primulas in particular dislike lime. Overall hardiness varies by group from H4 to H7, which translates as average-hardy through fully hardy in UK terms. In the garden, place woodland and candelabra types where moisture is steady—shaded borders and the dappled edge of shrub beds suit them—while alpine forms work in sharply drained rock or gravel zones with more sun. Expect rosettes of crinkled foliage to remain in place through the season and to accompany the February–June display of bell-shaped flowers.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Primula
- Sunlight
- Partial shade; alpines and auriculas take more sun
- Soil type
- Fertile humus-rich loam; alpine kinds need gritty free-draining soil
- Soil pH
- Neutral to slightly acid; Asiatic species dislike lime
- Soil moisture
- Reliably moist for candelabra and woodland kinds; sharply drained for alpines
- Aspect
- North, east or west facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4-H7 depending on group
Plant details
Primula alpicola subsp. luna size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Rosette-forming, clump-forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; rosettes of crinkled or mealy leaves
- Native to
- Bhutan, southeastern Tibet
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Primula alpicola subsp. luna
- Cultivation
- Match the group to the site and these are easy plants; ignore the distinction and they are short-lived. Candelabra and sikkimensis types want ground that never dries, so a streamside or bog garden suits them perfectly, while auriculas and the alpine species need gritty compost, protection from winter rain, and are traditionally grown in pots in an open frame. Woodland primulas ask for nothing more than leaf mould and dappled shade.
- Pruning
- No pruning required. Deadhead to prevent self-seeding where it is not wanted, and remove dead outer leaves from the rosettes to reduce rot.
- Propagation
- Divide after flowering, ideally every second or third year, as congested rosettes decline. Seed germinates best sown fresh and given a cold period, and many species self-sow freely.
- Pest resistance
- Vine weevil is the principal enemy, especially in pots, along with slugs, aphids and red spider mite under glass.
- Disease resistance
- Prone to grey mould and crown rot in stagnant damp. Primula brown core, a root rot, causes gradual decline in long-established plantings.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Primula alpicola subsp. luna?
Match the group to the site and these are easy plants; ignore the distinction and they are short-lived. Candelabra and sikkimensis types want ground that never dries, so a streamside or bog garden suits them perfectly, while auriculas and the alpine species need gritty compost, protection from winter rain, and are traditionally grown in pots in an open frame. Woodland primulas ask for nothing more than leaf mould and dappled shade.
Where is the best place to plant Primula alpicola subsp. luna?
Primula alpicola subsp. luna prefers partial shade; alpines and auriculas take more sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Primula alpicola subsp. luna need?
Primula alpicola subsp. luna grows best in fertile humus-rich loam; alpine kinds need gritty free-draining soil soil. It prefers neutral to slightly acid; asiatic species dislike lime soil. Aim for soil that stays reliably moist for candelabra and woodland kinds; sharply drained for alpines.
How do I prune Primula alpicola subsp. luna?
No pruning required. Deadhead to prevent self-seeding where it is not wanted, and remove dead outer leaves from the rosettes to reduce rot.
Is Primula alpicola subsp. luna hardy in the UK?
Primula alpicola subsp. luna has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Primula alpicola subsp. luna?
Divide after flowering, ideally every second or third year, as congested rosettes decline. Seed germinates best sown fresh and given a cold period, and many species self-sow freely.
More in the Primula genus
- Primula aurantiaca
- Primula burmanica
- Primula helodoxa
- Primula microdonta
- Primula waltonii
- Primula 'Asthore Hybrids'
- Primula 'Devon Cream'
- Primula 'Ravenglass Vermilion'