About
Primula denticulata (De), the drumstick primula, is a herbaceous perennial to 30 cm producing green, obovate leaves with a mealy coating beneath. Upright stems bear dense, rounded, pom-pom-like heads of pink, purple or white flowers with a yellow eye, from early spring through to early summer. One of the most popular and rewarding of all spring primulas for a cool, moist, 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, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBogs, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesRock garden, Cottage and informal garden
Native toAsia
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 division in early spring or propagate by seed sown from autumn to spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, vine weevil, slugs, leaf and bud eelworms and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free