About

Primula polyneura (Co) is a rosette-forming, deciduous Cortusoides-section perennial with thick, hairy, dark-green foliage and pale-pink to purple flowers with orange centres, appearing from early to late spring. Best in a cool, shady position in a woodland border or peat 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

SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toChina

Care notes

CultivationGrow in partial shade in a cool and shady area of the garden or a cool greenhouse, in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, humus-rich-soil. See primula cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate 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