Primula 'Devon Cream' — Rosette-forming, clump-forming

Overview

Primula 'Devon Cream' is a rosette-forming, clump-forming perennial in the genus Primula, part of the Primulaceae family, with deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; rosettes of crinkled or mealy leaves foliage. Primula 'Devon Cream' grows best in partial shade; alpines and auriculas take more sun, and tolerates fertile humus-rich loam; alpine kinds need gritty free-draining soil soils and neutral to slightly acid; asiatic species dislike lime pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4-H7 depending on group.

About

Primula 'Devon Cream' is a rosette-forming perennial primula that flowers from February to June. It forms clumps of crinkled or mealy leaves and produces spring flower heads above the foliage. Best sited in partial shade on a sheltered, north-, east- or west-facing spot. Soil should be fertile and humus-rich, with neutral to slightly acid pH.

About the genus

Primula is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the family Primulaceae. They include the primrose, a familiar wildflower of banks and verges. Other common species are P.

Wikipedia contributors, "Primula", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Primula

In the garden

A garden selection of the Primula genus, Primula 'Devon Cream' brings spring interest with a flowering season that runs from February to June. The genus is widely cultivated across temperate regions and includes forms adapted to woodland, alpine and border planting; this cultivar shares the compact, rosette-forming habit typical of many garden primulas. Plant in partial shade (alpines and auriculas will tolerate and often prefer a little more sun) on a sheltered north-, east- or west-facing aspect. Use a fertile, humus-rich loam for woodland and border types; if growing alpine or trough forms, provide a gritty, free-draining mix. Aim for neutral to slightly acid soil — Asiatic primulas are sensitive to lime. Water needs vary by group: candelabra and woodland kinds like reliably moist ground, whereas alpines require sharply drained conditions. Hardiness ranges from H4 to H7 depending on the group, which covers average to fully hardy types in UK terms. In practice that means you can use Primula 'Devon Cream' in shaded borders, under deciduous shrubs, or in troughs and containers if you match soil and moisture to the plant group. Leaves form crinkled rosettes and may show a white mealy bloom (farina) on some plants, which helps identify the cultivar in a mixed planting.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Primula

Sunlight: Partial shade; alpines and auriculas take more sun
Soil type: Fertile humus-rich loam; alpine kinds need gritty free-draining soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acid; Asiatic species dislike lime
Soil moisture: Reliably moist for candelabra and woodland kinds; sharply drained for alpines
Aspect: North, east or west facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H4-H7 depending on group

Plant details

Primula 'Devon Cream' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Rosette-forming, clump-forming
Foliage: Deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; rosettes of crinkled or mealy leaves

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Primula 'Devon Cream'

Cultivation: Match the group to the site and these are easy plants; ignore the distinction and they are short-lived. Candelabra and sikkimensis types want ground that never dries, so a streamside or bog garden suits them perfectly, while auriculas and the alpine species need gritty compost, protection from winter rain, and are traditionally grown in pots in an open frame. Woodland primulas ask for nothing more than leaf mould and dappled shade.
Pruning: No pruning required. Deadhead to prevent self-seeding where it is not wanted, and remove dead outer leaves from the rosettes to reduce rot.
Propagation: Divide after flowering, ideally every second or third year, as congested rosettes decline. Seed germinates best sown fresh and given a cold period, and many species self-sow freely.
Pest resistance: Vine weevil is the principal enemy, especially in pots, along with slugs, aphids and red spider mite under glass.
Disease resistance: Prone to grey mould and crown rot in stagnant damp. Primula brown core, a root rot, causes gradual decline in long-established plantings.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Primula 'Devon Cream'?

Match the group to the site and these are easy plants; ignore the distinction and they are short-lived. Candelabra and sikkimensis types want ground that never dries, so a streamside or bog garden suits them perfectly, while auriculas and the alpine species need gritty compost, protection from winter rain, and are traditionally grown in pots in an open frame. Woodland primulas ask for nothing more than leaf mould and dappled shade.

Where is the best place to plant Primula 'Devon Cream'?

Primula 'Devon Cream' prefers partial shade; alpines and auriculas take more sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Primula 'Devon Cream' need?

Primula 'Devon Cream' grows best in fertile humus-rich loam; alpine kinds need gritty free-draining soil soil. It prefers neutral to slightly acid; asiatic species dislike lime soil. Aim for soil that stays reliably moist for candelabra and woodland kinds; sharply drained for alpines.

How do I prune Primula 'Devon Cream'?

No pruning required. Deadhead to prevent self-seeding where it is not wanted, and remove dead outer leaves from the rosettes to reduce rot.

Is Primula 'Devon Cream' hardy in the UK?

Primula 'Devon Cream' 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 'Devon Cream'?

Divide after flowering, ideally every second or third year, as congested rosettes decline. Seed germinates best sown fresh and given a cold period, and many species self-sow freely.

More in the Primula genus

Browse all Primula →