About

This clump-forming, evergreen alpine perennial with fleshy green leaves, furry around the edges and with a deep midrib. Umbels of violet flowers appear from mid-spring until summer.

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, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Rock garden
Native toChina, Tibet

Care notes

CultivationGrow in partial shade in deep, humus-rich, moist, neutral to acid soil. Will tolerate sun if soil is kept moist
PruningCut back flower stems when flowers have faded
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe, or divide established clumps in early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, red spider mites, leafhoppers, slugs and vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to primula brown core, grey moulds and virus diseases