Overview
Primula auricula 'James Watham' (Au/S) is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Primula, part of the Primulaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Primula auricula 'James Watham' (Au/S) 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 'James Watham' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial within the Primula genus, known for its semi-evergreen foliage and basal rosette of simple leaves. This cultivar thrives in fertile, well-drained soil that remains moist and can tolerate a range of soil types and pH levels. It prefers full sun to partial shade in sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing aspects. Suitable for various garden settings including borders, rock gardens, and woodland areas, 'James Watham' offers seasonal interest during spring and summer.
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
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 'James Watham' (Au/S) 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 'James Watham' (Au/S)
- 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 'James Watham' (Au/S)?
Primula auricula 'James Watham' (Au/S) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Primula auricula 'James Watham' (Au/S) need?
Primula auricula 'James Watham' (Au/S) 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 'James Watham' (Au/S) hardy in the UK?
Primula auricula 'James Watham' (Au/S) 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 'James Watham' (Au/S)?
Seed, Root basal cuttings.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Primula genus
- Primula alpicola subsp. lunamoonlight primrose
- Primula alpicola var. violaceaMoonlight Primrose
- Primula aurantiaca
- Primula bulleyanaBulley's primrose
- Primula burmanica
- Primula denticulatadrumstick primula
- Primula florindaeTibetan cowslip
- Primula florindae 'Rasp Red'Rasp Red Tibetan cowslip