About
A very hardy, clump-forming, deciduous perennial to 60cm high, with rosettes of mid-green leaves up to 25cm long, dusted with white meal. Will tolerate consistently moist soils. In late spring to early summer, flowering stems bear one to four clusters of small, pendent, bright purple flowers with a paler eye.
About the genus
Primula are herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennials, forming a basal rosette of simple leaves, with salver-shaped or bell-shaped flowers which may be solitary or carried in an umbel or in whorls on an erect stem
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Bogs, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Rock garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in partial shade in deep, humus-rich, moist, neutral to acid soil. Will tolerate sun if soil is kept moist
PruningCut back flower stems when flowers have faded
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe, or divide established clumps in early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, red spider mites, leafhoppers, slugs and vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to primula brown core, grey moulds and virus diseases