Overview
Primula japonica 'Millers Crimson' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Primula, part of the Primulaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Primula japonica 'Millers Crimson' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It is native to Japan.
About
Primula japonica, the Japanese primrose, Japanese cowslip, Queen of primroses, or valley red, is a species of flowering plant in the family Primulaceae, native to Japan. The common name Japanese primrose also applies to the related species Primula sieboldii.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Primula japonica
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Primula
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Primula japonica 'Millers Crimson' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Native to
- Japan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Primula japonica 'Millers Crimson'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade; avoid dry conditions
- Pruning
- Remove faded flower stems to encourage new blooms
- Propagation
- Division in autumn or early spring
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Vine weevil, Slugs, Leaf and bud eelworms, Leaf-mining flies, Glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Primula leaf spot, Primula brown core, Grey moulds
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Primula japonica 'Millers Crimson'?
Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade; avoid dry conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Primula japonica 'Millers Crimson'?
Primula japonica 'Millers Crimson' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Primula japonica 'Millers Crimson' need?
Primula japonica 'Millers Crimson' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Primula japonica 'Millers Crimson'?
Remove faded flower stems to encourage new blooms.
Is Primula japonica 'Millers Crimson' hardy in the UK?
Primula japonica 'Millers Crimson' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Primula japonica 'Millers Crimson'?
Division in autumn or early spring.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Primula genus
- Primula alpicola subsp. lunamoonlight primrose
- Primula alpicola var. violaceaMoonlight Primrose
- Primula aurantiaca
- Primula bulleyanaBulley's primrose
- Primula burmanica
- Primula denticulatadrumstick primula
- Primula florindaeTibetan cowslip
- Primula florindae 'Rasp Red'Rasp Red Tibetan cowslip