About
Primula hirsuta (Au) is a compact, rosette-forming auricula-section perennial with spoon-shaped, toothed, pale-green foliage and perfumed, pale-pink to dark red-purple flowers with a white eye appearing in spring. A beautiful and rewarding alpine primula for a well-drained, semi-shaded position.
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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Alpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toC Alps, Pyrenees
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in partial shade in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil. May also be grown in an alpine house or greenhouse/conservatory using a specialist alpine plant compost based on loam with added lime. Avoid wetting the foliage
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed when ripe, division or by separating and rooting offsets in autumn or early spring
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