Overview
Primula prolifera (Pf) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Primula, part of the Primulaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Primula prolifera (Pf) grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include woodland gardens, rock gardens, borders and containers.
About
Primula prolifera, commonly known as the candelabra primrose or glory of the bog, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial suited to boggy conditions. This evergreen plant typically grows to between 0.5 and 1 metre in height, with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. It thrives in poorly-drained loam soils with acid to neutral pH and prefers full sun to partial shade, making it adaptable to various garden aspects and exposures. Its season of interest spans both winter and spring.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Primula
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Primula prolifera (Pf) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial, Bogs
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Woodland gardens, rock gardens, borders, containers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Primula prolifera (Pf)
- Propagation
- Seed, root basal cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Slugs, Snails, Vine weevil, Leaf and bud eelworms, Leaf-mining flies, Glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Leaf spot, Grey mould
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Primula prolifera (Pf)?
Primula prolifera (Pf) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Primula prolifera (Pf) need?
Primula prolifera (Pf) grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays poorly-drained.
How big does Primula prolifera (Pf) grow?
Primula prolifera (Pf) reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Primula prolifera (Pf) hardy in the UK?
Primula prolifera (Pf) has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Primula prolifera (Pf)?
Seed, root basal cuttings.
More in the Primula genus
- Primula aurantiaca
- Primula burmanica
- Primula helodoxa
- Primula microdonta
- Primula waltonii
- Primula 'Asthore Hybrids'
- Primula 'Devon Cream'
- Primula 'Ravenglass Vermilion'