Primula 'Rowallane Rose' — Rosette-forming, clump-forming

Overview

Primula 'Rowallane Rose' 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 'Rowallane Rose' 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. Suggested uses include suitable for shaded borders, woodland gardens and and rock gardens; ideal for adding early spring color in partial shade..

About

Primula 'Rowallane Rose' is a perennial Primula cultivar forming rosettes and clumps, notable for its fragrant spring flowers. It bears rosettes of crinkled or mealy leaves that may be deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen. Plants produce umbels of scented blooms in the early season. Flowers appear from February to June.

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 'Rowallane Rose' sits within the Primulaceae as a clump-forming, rosette-bearing perennial prized for its scented early-season flowers. The foliage can range from deciduous to semi-evergreen or evergreen and often shows a crinkled or mealy texture; flowering runs February to June, making it a strong contributor to late winter and spring displays. Choose a partly shaded site on a north, east or west aspect and a sheltered position. Plant into fertile, humus-rich loam for woodland and candelabra types and keep the soil reliably moist; alpine types need a sharply drained, gritty mix and generally take more sun. Soil should be neutral to slightly acid; note that Asiatic primulas dislike lime. Hardiness ranges from H4 to H7, which translates from average-hardy to fully hardy across different groups, so check the type before siting. Use Primula 'Rowallane Rose' in shaded borders, woodland gardens and rock gardens where early-season scent is wanted; it works well tucked beneath deciduous shrubs or at the front of a mixed border. Expect fragrant umbels of blooms from February to June that reward early-season plantings.

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 'Rowallane Rose' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Rosette-forming, clump-forming
Foliage: Deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; rosettes of crinkled or mealy leaves
Suggested uses: Suitable for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and rock gardens; ideal for adding early spring color in partial shade.
Fragrance: Fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Primula 'Rowallane Rose'

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 'Rowallane Rose'?

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 'Rowallane Rose'?

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

What soil does Primula 'Rowallane Rose' need?

Primula 'Rowallane Rose' 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 'Rowallane Rose'?

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 'Rowallane Rose' hardy in the UK?

Primula 'Rowallane Rose' 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 'Rowallane Rose'?

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 →