About

A small, herbaceous perennial that comes into growth in late winter with rosettes of thick, toothed leaves and funnel-shaped, pale pink flowers in small clusters on 10cm stems.

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

SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Rock garden, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toChina

Care notes

CultivationGrow in deep or partial shade in moist but sharply drained acid or neutral soil; protect from excessive winter wet
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationMay be propagated by detaching runners in early spring or after flowering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails, vine weevil and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a virus, grey moulds or fungal leaf spot