About
Primula flaccida (Mu) is a deciduous primula forming rosettes of mid-green, shiny, toothed, ovate leaves. Clusters of perfumed, lavender-blue to purple, downward-facing, tubular flowers appear on tall, thin stems in May and June. A beautiful and unusual primula for a cool, moist, semi-shaded peat bed or alpine house.
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 shade, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in full shade or partial shade in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationEasy to grow from seed, and will set seed if grown in groups. Propagate by division in autumn or after flowering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, vine weevil, slugs, leaf and bud eelworms, leaf-mining flies and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to primula leaf spot, primula brown core and grey moulds