About
A low growing, mat-forming evergreen perennial with dark green textured foliage about 10cm in height. Makes a good ground cover plant for borders and ideal for growing under shrubs with spring bulbs. The single flowers are nestled close to the leaves and are reddish-purple with a yellow eye, flowering April to June.
About the genus
Primula are herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennials, forming a basal rosette of simple leaves, with salver-shaped or bell-shaped flowers which may be solitary or carried in an umbel or in whorls on an erect stem
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
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
HabitMatforming
FoliageSemi evergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in full sun or partial shade in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil, do not allow to dry out in hot weather. See primula cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in spring or 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