About
A tough, rosette-forming, deciduous perennial with scalloped or lobed leaves up to 20cm long. In summer produces compact clusters of hanging, bell-shaped, pale blue and white, aromatic flowers on 15cm stems.
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 shade, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous 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, Rock garden
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in deep or partial shade in naturally peaty, gritty, moist but very well-drained soil, protected from excessive winter wet, or grow in an alpine house or cold frame in a mix of equal parts peat-free, loam-based potting compost, leaf mould, peat substitute and grit
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or by seed sown from autumn to spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, vine weevil, leafhoppers, slugs and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to, grey moulds and primula leaf spot