Overview
Primula sikkimensis 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. It typically grows around 0.9 metres tall. Primula sikkimensis 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 Himalayan region and western Nepal to southwest China.
About
Primula sikkimensis is a perennial primula that forms rosettes of crinkled, sometimes mealy leaves and sends up fragrant flower stems. It reaches about 0.9 metres and produces clusters of flowers from February to June. Plants range from deciduous to semi‑evergreen or evergreen depending on the group.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Primula sikkimensis
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 sikkimensis comes from the Himalayan region, from western Nepal to south‑west China, and in cultivation is valued for its basal rosettes and strongly scented flowering heads. Height is typically around 0.9 metres, with leaves that may carry a mealy farina and flower stems rising well above the foliage. Flowering occurs February to June. Grow it where soils remain rich in humus and reliably moist for the woodland and candelabra types; alpine forms need grit and a sharply drained mix. Aim for neutral to slightly acid soil, as Asiatic groups dislike lime. Sit plants in partial shade on a north, east or west aspect with some shelter from drying winds; alpines and auriculas will tolerate a little more sun. Hardiness varies by group from H4 (average) through H7 (fully hardy), so choose stock suited to your site—H4 types are best in milder, sheltered locations while H7 types suit colder, exposed gardens. Use Himalayan cowslip at streamsides, in bog gardens or beneath trees where soil stays moist and light levels are reduced. Cut back spent flower stalks at ground level to keep the basal rosette clear and to allow fresh leaf growth.
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 sikkimensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Rosette-forming, clump-forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; rosettes of crinkled or mealy leaves
- Height
- 0.9 metres
- Suggested uses
- bog gardens, streamside planting, woodland gardens
- Native to
- Himalayan region, western Nepal to southwest China
- Fragrance
- fragrant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Primula sikkimensis
- 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 sikkimensis?
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 sikkimensis?
Primula sikkimensis prefers partial shade; alpines and auriculas take more sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Primula sikkimensis need?
Primula sikkimensis 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 sikkimensis?
No pruning required. Deadhead to prevent self-seeding where it is not wanted, and remove dead outer leaves from the rosettes to reduce rot.
How big does Primula sikkimensis grow?
Primula sikkimensis reaches a height of 0.9 metres.
Is Primula sikkimensis hardy in the UK?
Primula sikkimensis 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 sikkimensis?
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'