Overview

Primula auricula 'Forest Pretty Woman' (Au/d) is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Primula, part of the Primulaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Primula auricula 'Forest Pretty Woman' (Au/d) grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4, H5, H6, H7. Suggested uses include borders, containers, woodland gardens, rock gardens, bedding, wildflower meadows, wildlife gardens, coastal gardens and cottage gardens.

About

Primula auricula 'Forest Pretty Woman' is a clump-forming perennial cultivar within the Primula genus, known for its semi-evergreen foliage arranged in a basal rosette. This cultivar produces salver-shaped or bell-shaped flowers on upright stems during spring and summer. It thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soils including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, and tolerates a range of soil pH from acid to alkaline. Suitable for full sun to partial shade in sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing aspects, it is hardy across UK zones H4 to H7 and is ideal for borders, containers, woodland and rock gardens, as well as wildflower and cottage gardens.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Primula

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4, H5, H6, H7

Plant details

Primula auricula 'Forest Pretty Woman' (Au/d) size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Clump-forming
Foliage
Semi-evergreen
Suggested uses
Borders, Containers, Woodland gardens, Rock gardens, Bedding, Wildflower meadows, Wildlife gardens, Coastal gardens, Cottage gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Primula auricula 'Forest Pretty Woman' (Au/d)

Propagation
Seed, Root basal cuttings
Pest resistance
Aphids, Vine weevil, Slugs, Leaf and bud eelworms, Leaf-mining flies, Glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistance
Leaf spot, Grey moulds

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Primula auricula 'Forest Pretty Woman' (Au/d)?

Primula auricula 'Forest Pretty Woman' (Au/d) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Primula auricula 'Forest Pretty Woman' (Au/d) need?

Primula auricula 'Forest Pretty Woman' (Au/d) is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Primula auricula 'Forest Pretty Woman' (Au/d) hardy in the UK?

Primula auricula 'Forest Pretty Woman' (Au/d) 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 auricula 'Forest Pretty Woman' (Au/d)?

Seed, Root basal cuttings.

More in the Primula genus

Browse all Primula