Overview

Primula auricula 'Snow Maiden' (Au/d) is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Primula, part of the Primulaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Primula auricula 'Snow Maiden' (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 'Snow Maiden' 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, typically blooming in spring and summer. It thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soils of various types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, and tolerates a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. Suitable for sheltered locations with full sun to partial shade, 'Snow Maiden' is hardy across UK zones H4 to H7 and is ideal for borders, containers, rock gardens, and wildlife-friendly settings.

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 'Snow Maiden' (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 'Snow Maiden' (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 'Snow Maiden' (Au/d)?

Primula auricula 'Snow Maiden' (Au/d) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Primula auricula 'Snow Maiden' (Au/d) need?

Primula auricula 'Snow Maiden' (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 'Snow Maiden' (Au/d) hardy in the UK?

Primula auricula 'Snow Maiden' (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 'Snow Maiden' (Au/d)?

Seed, Root basal cuttings.

More in the Primula genus

Browse all Primula