Overview
Primula auricula 'Rhubarb Rock' (Au/B) is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Primula, part of the Primulaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Primula auricula 'Rhubarb Rock' (Au/B) 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 'Rhubarb Rock' 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, favouring sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing aspects. It grows well in fertile, moist but well-drained soils of various types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, across a range of pH levels. Hardy in UK zones H4 to H7, it is suitable for borders, containers, rock gardens, and other garden settings, with interest in spring and summer.
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 'Rhubarb Rock' (Au/B) 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 'Rhubarb Rock' (Au/B)
- 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 'Rhubarb Rock' (Au/B)?
Primula auricula 'Rhubarb Rock' (Au/B) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Primula auricula 'Rhubarb Rock' (Au/B) need?
Primula auricula 'Rhubarb Rock' (Au/B) 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 'Rhubarb Rock' (Au/B) hardy in the UK?
Primula auricula 'Rhubarb Rock' (Au/B) 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 'Rhubarb Rock' (Au/B)?
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)