Overview
Primula alpicola var. violacea 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 var. violacea 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 var. violacea is a rosette-forming perennial primula that bears bell-shaped flowers in whites, creams, yellows and purples. It grows in clumps of crinkled, sometimes mealy leaves that may be deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen. Native to Bhutan and southeastern Tibet, it favours cool, sheltered positions and neutral to slightly acidic soils. Flowering occurs from February to June.
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 var. violacea is a rosette-forming member of the Primulaceae from Bhutan and southeastern Tibet, where it occupies cool upland sites. The plant produces clumps of crinkled or mealy leaves beneath clusters of bell-shaped flowers that appear from February to June. Forms vary; some suit damp, shaded woodland conditions while alpine forms need much freer drainage. Site selection should favour partial shade on north, east or west-facing aspects, avoiding exposed, baking southern exposures unless growing an alpine form that tolerates more sun. Soil should be fertile and humus-rich for the woodland and candelabra types, with reliably moist conditions; alpine strains require a gritty, sharply drained mix. Aim for neutral to slightly acidic pH as the Asiatic lineage does not thrive on lime-rich ground. Hardiness spans H4–H7 (average to fully hardy) depending on the group, so check the plant's source before siting. In the UK it suits shaded border fronts, damp hollows and pond margins for the moisture-loving groups, while rockeries, gravel troughs or crevices suit the alpine forms. Maintain consistent moisture for the woodland types and crisp drainage for alpines, and avoid lime-rich soil to preserve healthy foliage and flowering.
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 var. violacea 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 var. violacea
- 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 var. violacea?
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 var. violacea?
Primula alpicola var. violacea prefers partial shade; alpines and auriculas take more sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Primula alpicola var. violacea need?
Primula alpicola var. violacea 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 var. violacea?
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 var. violacea hardy in the UK?
Primula alpicola var. violacea 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 var. violacea?
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'