Overview
Primula burmanica (Pf) is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Primula, part of the Primulaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Primula burmanica (Pf) 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 burmanica is a clump-forming cultivar of the Primula genus, which comprises perennial plants with a basal rosette of simple leaves. This semi-evergreen plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers a sheltered aspect facing south, east, or west. It grows well in a variety of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions across a range of pH levels. Hardy in UK zones H4 to H7, it is suitable for borders, containers, woodland and rock gardens, and other garden styles. It is particularly notable for its interest during the winter season.
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 burmanica (Pf) 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 burmanica (Pf)
- 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 burmanica (Pf)?
Primula burmanica (Pf) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Primula burmanica (Pf) need?
Primula burmanica (Pf) 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 burmanica (Pf) hardy in the UK?
Primula burmanica (Pf) 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 burmanica (Pf)?
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)
