About
Primula cockburniana (Pf), the Cockburnia primrose, is a short-lived candelabra primula forming a rosette of oblong leaves and an erect scape bearing several whorls of bright-orange, salver-shaped flowers 1.5 cm across, tinged red on the outside, in early summer. A beautiful and distinctive candelabra primula for a cool, moist, humus-rich, semi-shaded border.
About the genus
Primula are herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennials forming basal rosettes of simple leaves, with salver-shaped or bell-shaped flowers borne singly or in umbels or whorls on upright stems. A vast genus ranging from tiny alpines to large candelabra and Asiatic border plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Bogs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toChina
Care notes
CultivationGrow in deep moist or moist but well-drained neutral to acid, humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed. Sow on the surface of the compost as soon as ripe in late winter or early spring. Can be propagated by division between autumn and early spring. Take root cuttings when dormant in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, vine weevil, slugs, leaf and bud eelworms and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a virus, primula brown core and grey mould