About
Primula parryi (Pa) is a clump-forming, evergreen Parryi-section primula with long, leathery, pale-green foliage and scented, magenta red-purple flowers with a yellow eye, appearing in early spring. The flowers have a characteristic strong, sometimes unpleasant fragrance. A rewarding and distinctive primula for a cool, moist, shaded position.
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
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
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
FoliageEvergreen
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, Rock garden
Native toSW USA
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in partial shade in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil
PruningNo pruning required. Remove dead or damaged leaves after flowering
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed in a coldframe in early spring. Grow on under glass for their first winter. Divide established plants annually in autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds (botrytis)