About
Primula muscarioides (Mu), the grape hyacinth primula, is a deciduous perennial with rosettes of mid-green, shiny, toothed leaves and tall, slender stems to around 30 cm bearing clusters of short-lived, perfumed, downward-facing, tubular, purple flowers in May and June. A beautiful and unusual primula for a cool, moist, humus-rich border.
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 shade, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toSW China
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in full shade or partial shade in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationEasy to grow from seed, and will set seed if grown in groups. Propagate by division in autumn or after flowering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, vine weevil, slugs, leaf and bud eelworms, leaf-mining flies and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to primula leaf spot, primula brown core and grey moulds