About
Iris Mainwaring' is a compact, rosette-forming, semi-evergreen Primrose group primula up to 15cm, with oval, dark emerald leaves to 18cm long. dainty pink flowers, 4cm across, with yellow centres, are produced in small clusters in spring.
About the genus
Primula are herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennials, forming a basal rosette of simple leaves, with salver-shaped or bell-shaped flowers which may be solitary or carried in an umbel or in whorls on an erect stem
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in full sun or partial shade in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, humus-rich-soil. May also be grown under glass in an alpine house or cold frame in a mix of equal parts peat-free, loam-based potting compost, leaf mould or peat-substitute and grit. See primula cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in autumn or early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, leafhoppers, vine weevil and slugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to primula brown core and grey moulds