Overview
Primula poissonii is a rosette-forming, clump-forming perennial in the genus Primula, part of the Primulaceae family, with deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; rosettes of crinkled or mealy leaves foliage. Primula poissonii grows best in partial shade; alpines and auriculas take more sun, and tolerates fertile humus-rich loam; alpine kinds need gritty free-draining soil soils and neutral to slightly acid; asiatic species dislike lime pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4-H7 depending on group. Suggested uses include bog gardens, streamside planting and moist woodland gardens. It is native to China.
About
Primula poissonii is a semi-evergreen, rosette-forming perennial that bears candelabra-like whorls of flowers on upright stems. The corollas range from deep purplish crimson to rose‑purple and are scented. It is native to China and flowers in the UK from February to June.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Primula poissonii
About the genus
Primula is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the family Primulaceae. They include the primrose, a familiar wildflower of banks and verges. Other common species are P.
Wikipedia contributors, "Primula", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Primula
In the garden
Primula poissonii belongs to the candelabra group of primulas and forms clumps of crinkled, sometimes mealy, rosette leaves with vertical stems bearing tiered flower whorls. Originating in China, it is valued for early-season, scented blooms that appear from February to June. Sit it where soil stays reliably moist for candelabra and woodland forms, using fertile humus-rich loam at neutral to slightly acid pH; note that Asiatic primulas generally dislike lime. Alpines and auricula-types need much sharper drainage and take more sun. Light levels are best in partial shade, though alpines and auriculas tolerate a sunnier spot, and a north, east or west-facing aspect in a sheltered position reduces winter exposure. Hardiness ranges H4–H7 (average to fully hardy) depending on the group, so choose siting and winter protection with that in mind. Use it at pond and stream margins, in bog gardens or moist woodland borders where the vertical whorls can be displayed; plants placed at the water’s edge show the stems and scented flowers to best effect.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Primula
- Sunlight
- Partial shade; alpines and auriculas take more sun
- Soil type
- Fertile humus-rich loam; alpine kinds need gritty free-draining soil
- Soil pH
- Neutral to slightly acid; Asiatic species dislike lime
- Soil moisture
- Reliably moist for candelabra and woodland kinds; sharply drained for alpines
- Aspect
- North, east or west facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4-H7 depending on group
Plant details
Primula poissonii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Rosette-forming, clump-forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; rosettes of crinkled or mealy leaves
- Suggested uses
- Bog gardens, streamside planting, moist woodland gardens
- Native to
- China
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Primula poissonii
- Cultivation
- Match the group to the site and these are easy plants; ignore the distinction and they are short-lived. Candelabra and sikkimensis types want ground that never dries, so a streamside or bog garden suits them perfectly, while auriculas and the alpine species need gritty compost, protection from winter rain, and are traditionally grown in pots in an open frame. Woodland primulas ask for nothing more than leaf mould and dappled shade.
- Pruning
- No pruning required. Deadhead to prevent self-seeding where it is not wanted, and remove dead outer leaves from the rosettes to reduce rot.
- Propagation
- Divide after flowering, ideally every second or third year, as congested rosettes decline. Seed germinates best sown fresh and given a cold period, and many species self-sow freely.
- Pest resistance
- Vine weevil is the principal enemy, especially in pots, along with slugs, aphids and red spider mite under glass.
- Disease resistance
- Prone to grey mould and crown rot in stagnant damp. Primula brown core, a root rot, causes gradual decline in long-established plantings.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Primula poissonii?
Match the group to the site and these are easy plants; ignore the distinction and they are short-lived. Candelabra and sikkimensis types want ground that never dries, so a streamside or bog garden suits them perfectly, while auriculas and the alpine species need gritty compost, protection from winter rain, and are traditionally grown in pots in an open frame. Woodland primulas ask for nothing more than leaf mould and dappled shade.
Where is the best place to plant Primula poissonii?
Primula poissonii prefers partial shade; alpines and auriculas take more sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Primula poissonii need?
Primula poissonii grows best in fertile humus-rich loam; alpine kinds need gritty free-draining soil soil. It prefers neutral to slightly acid; asiatic species dislike lime soil. Aim for soil that stays reliably moist for candelabra and woodland kinds; sharply drained for alpines.
How do I prune Primula poissonii?
No pruning required. Deadhead to prevent self-seeding where it is not wanted, and remove dead outer leaves from the rosettes to reduce rot.
Is Primula poissonii hardy in the UK?
Primula poissonii 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 poissonii?
Divide after flowering, ideally every second or third year, as congested rosettes decline. Seed germinates best sown fresh and given a cold period, and many species self-sow freely.
More in the Primula genus
- Primula aurantiaca
- Primula burmanica
- Primula helodoxa
- Primula microdonta
- Primula waltonii
- Primula 'Asthore Hybrids'
- Primula 'Devon Cream'
- Primula 'Ravenglass Vermilion'