Overview
Primula secundiflora 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 secundiflora 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 bog gardens, streamside planting and woodland gardens. It is native to W China.
About
Primula secundiflora is a rosette-forming, clump-forming perennial that develops compact leaf rosettes and multi-stemmed flower heads. It favours reliably moist ground in partial shade and suits north, east or west-facing, sheltered sites. Foliage may be deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen, with crinkled or mealy leaves. Flowering occurs February to June.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Primula secundiflora
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 secundiflora is a perennial native to western China that forms spreading clumps of rosettes. The foliage can be deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen and the leaves are typically crinkled or mealy; flowering takes place February to June. Place plants in partial shade on fertile, humus-rich loam for the woodland and streamside types; those from alpine origins prefer a gritty, free-draining mix. Soil should be neutral to slightly acidic — Asiatic forms dislike lime — and moisture requirements vary with the group: candelabra and woodland kinds need reliably moist conditions while alpine forms require sharply drained positions. Sit plants in a sheltered spot on a north, east or west aspect to reduce wind exposure. Hardiness ranges H4–H7, so many selections will survive ordinary UK winters from average hardy through fully hardy; check the group if you are in an exposed site. Use Primula secundiflora at the edge of ponds, beside streams, or beneath light tree cover in a woodland garden where soil remains damp. Expect the rosettes of crinkled, mealy leaves to remain through winter on semi-evergreen forms and to support the flower stems each spring.
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 secundiflora 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
- bog gardens, streamside planting, woodland gardens
- Native to
- W China
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Primula secundiflora
- 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 secundiflora?
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 secundiflora?
Primula secundiflora prefers partial shade; alpines and auriculas take more sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Primula secundiflora need?
Primula secundiflora 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 secundiflora?
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 secundiflora hardy in the UK?
Primula secundiflora 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 secundiflora?
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
- Primula aurantiaca
- Primula burmanica
- Primula helodoxa
- Primula microdonta
- Primula waltonii
- Primula 'Asthore Hybrids'
- Primula 'Devon Cream'
- Primula 'Ravenglass Vermilion'