Overview
Primula 'Ken Dearman' (Pr/Prim/d) is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Primula, part of the Primulaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Primula 'Ken Dearman' (Pr/Prim/d) grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4, H5, H6, H7. Suggested uses include borders, containers, woodland gardens, rock gardens, bedding, wildflower meadows, wildlife gardens, coastal gardens and cottage gardens.
About
Primula 'Ken Dearman' is a clump-forming cultivar of the Primula genus, which comprises perennial plants with a basal rosette of simple leaves. This semi-evergreen plant thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soils, tolerating a range of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, as well as various pH levels. It prefers full sun to partial shade in sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing aspects. Hardy across several UK zones, it is suitable for diverse garden settings such as borders, containers, woodland and rock gardens, wildflower meadows, and coastal or cottage gardens, offering interest through spring and summer.
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, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4, H5, H6, H7
Plant details
Primula 'Ken Dearman' (Pr/Prim/d) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Containers, Woodland gardens, Rock gardens, Bedding, Wildflower meadows, Wildlife gardens, Coastal gardens, Cottage gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Primula 'Ken Dearman' (Pr/Prim/d)
- Propagation
- Seed, Root basal cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Vine weevil, Slugs, Leaf and bud eelworms, Leaf-mining flies, Glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Leaf spot, Grey moulds
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Primula 'Ken Dearman' (Pr/Prim/d)?
Primula 'Ken Dearman' (Pr/Prim/d) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Primula 'Ken Dearman' (Pr/Prim/d) need?
Primula 'Ken Dearman' (Pr/Prim/d) 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.
Is Primula 'Ken Dearman' (Pr/Prim/d) hardy in the UK?
Primula 'Ken Dearman' (Pr/Prim/d) has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Primula 'Ken Dearman' (Pr/Prim/d)?
Seed, Root basal cuttings.
More in the Primula genus
- Primula 'Orange With Yellow'
- Primula auricula 'Erica' (Au/A)
- Primula auricula 'Forest Pretty Woman' (Au/d)
- Primula auricula 'Forest Red Mist' (Au/d)
- Primula auricula 'Forest Scarlet Woman' (Au/d)
- Primula auricula 'Geldersome Green' (Au/S)
- Primula auricula 'Geordie' (Au/A)
- Primula auricula 'Gloire de Dijon' (Au/S)