About
Primula marginata (Au), the silver-edged primrose, is an evergreen, auricula-section perennial to 15 cm with rosettes of leathery, grey-green, toothed leaves dusted white-mealy on the margins. Umbels of perfumed, white-eyed, lavender-blue flowers 3 cm across are produced on mealy stems in spring. A beautiful alpine primula for a cool, well-drained rock garden or alpine house.
About the genus
Primula are herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennials forming rosettes of simple leaves and producing salver-shaped, bell-shaped or funnel-shaped flowers, solitary or in umbels or whorls on erect stems. An enormously varied genus ranging from compact alpines to stately border perennials.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Rock garden, Patio and container plants
Native toEurope (Alps)
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich, slightly alkaline soil in full sun with some midday shade or partial shade. Although hardy it is recommended for cultivation in an alpine house in the south of England
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, root basal cuttings or take root cuttings when dormant
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, vine weevil, slugs, leaf and bud eelworms and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a leaf spot and grey moulds