About
Primula frondosa (Al), the leafy primrose, is a herbaceous perennial to 20 cm forming a rosette of narrowly obovate or spoon-shaped leaves, white-mealy beneath. Yellow-eyed, lilac-pink flowers 1.5 cm across are borne in umbels in spring. A beautiful and rewarding primula 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 typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesRock garden
Native toBalkans
Care notes
CultivationGood for boggy conditions or waterside borders in sun or partial shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, root basal cuttings or take root cuttings when dormant
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, vine weevil, slugs, leaf and bud eelworms and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a leaf spot and grey moulds