About
Primula japonica (Pf), the Japanese primrose, is a deciduous candelabra primula to 45 cm tall with a basal rosette of broad, crinkly, light-green leaves and erect stems bearing several whorls of reddish-purple flowers in late spring and early summer. A stunning and robust candelabra primula for a cool, moist, humus-rich, 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 typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBogs, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toJapan
Care notes
CultivationGrow in deep moist or moist but well-drained neutral to acid, humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed. Sow on the surface of the compost as soon as ripe in late winter or early spring. Can be propagated by division between autumn and early spring. Take root cuttings when dormant in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, vine weevil, slugs, leaf and bud eelworms and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay suffer from a virus, primula brown core and grey mould