Primula 'Ravenglass Vermilion' — Rosette-forming, clump-forming

Overview

Primula 'Ravenglass Vermilion' 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 'Ravenglass Vermilion' 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.

About

Primula 'Ravenglass Vermilion' is a perennial primula that forms clumps of basal rosettes and is grown for its spring flowering display. Leaves form crinkled or mealy rosettes and may be deciduous, semi‑evergreen or evergreen depending on the parent group. It flowers February to June. Position in partial shade on a sheltered north, east or west facing spot for best results.

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 'Ravenglass Vermilion' sits within the Primulaceae and belongs to a genus whose species occur widely across the temperate Northern Hemisphere, including many from mountain regions. As a cultivar-planted primula it is handled according to the group it represents: alpine, woodland or candelabra types follow slightly different soil and moisture regimes. Give this primula partial shade on a north, east or west facing site that is sheltered from strong winds. For the common garden and woodland forms use a fertile, humus-rich loam kept reliably moist; candelabra and other moisture-loving groups also need consistently damp soil. Alpine or auricula-type primulas prefer much grittier, sharply drained mixes and take more sun. Aim for neutral to slightly acidic soil as Asiatic types generally dislike lime. Hardiness varies between H4 and H7 across the primula groups, translating roughly from average hardy to fully hardy in the UK; choose plants and sites according to the label hardiness. Primula 'Ravenglass Vermilion' suits shade borders, sheltered rock garden pockets (for alpine-stocked plants), and containers where moisture and shelter can be controlled. Flowering occurs February to June — remove spent flower stems to keep the basal rosette clear and to concentrate resources into the foliage.

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 'Ravenglass Vermilion' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Rosette-forming, clump-forming
Foliage: Deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; rosettes of crinkled or mealy leaves

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Primula 'Ravenglass Vermilion'

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 'Ravenglass Vermilion'?

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 'Ravenglass Vermilion'?

Primula 'Ravenglass Vermilion' prefers partial shade; alpines and auriculas take more sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Primula 'Ravenglass Vermilion' need?

Primula 'Ravenglass Vermilion' 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 'Ravenglass Vermilion'?

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 'Ravenglass Vermilion' hardy in the UK?

Primula 'Ravenglass Vermilion' 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 'Ravenglass Vermilion'?

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

Browse all Primula →