About

Primula poissonii (Pf), Poisson's primrose, is a semi-evergreen Proliferae-section perennial to 45 cm with smooth, dark-green, finely toothed leaves to 15 cm long. From late spring to summer, 2�6 whorls of reddish-purple flowers with yellow eyes are carried on erect stems. A beautiful candelabra primula for a moist, cool, woodland border or bog garden.

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
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeBogs, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Rock garden
Native toChina
FragranceFlower

Care notes

CultivationGrow in deep, fertile reliably moist soil in partial shade or sun
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division in early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, vine weevil, slugs and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free