Overview
Primula auricula 'Purple Emperor' (Au/A) is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Primula, part of the Primulaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Primula auricula 'Purple Emperor' (Au/A) 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 'Purple Emperor' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the Primula genus, known for its basal rosette of simple leaves and upright stems bearing salver-shaped or bell-shaped flowers. This semi-evergreen cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade with a sheltered aspect, preferring moist but well-drained soils across a range of types and pH levels. Hardy in UK zones H4 to H7, it is suitable for diverse garden settings including borders, containers, and woodland or rock gardens. Establishment requires watering, and propagation can be achieved by seed or root basal cuttings.
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 'Purple Emperor' (Au/A) 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 'Purple Emperor' (Au/A)
- 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 'Purple Emperor' (Au/A)?
Primula auricula 'Purple Emperor' (Au/A) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Primula auricula 'Purple Emperor' (Au/A) need?
Primula auricula 'Purple Emperor' (Au/A) 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 'Purple Emperor' (Au/A) hardy in the UK?
Primula auricula 'Purple Emperor' (Au/A) 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 'Purple Emperor' (Au/A)?
Seed, Root basal cuttings.
More in the Primula genus
- Primula 'Orange With Yellow'
- Primula auricula 'Erica' (Au/A)
- Primula auricula 'Forest Pretty Woman' (Au/d)
- Primula auricula 'Forest Red Mist' (Au/d)
- Primula auricula 'Forest Scarlet Woman' (Au/d)
- Primula auricula 'Geldersome Green' (Au/S)
- Primula auricula 'Geordie' (Au/A)
- Primula auricula 'Gloire de Dijon' (Au/S)